UW School of Drama Celebrates & Honors the Northwest Asian American Theatre

The University of Washington School of Drama's historic 75th anniversary continues to celebrate the Seattle theatre community's rich history. With their Seattle Theatres Lost and Founded Series, produced in partnership with the UW World Series and One Coast Collaboration, the School of Drama pays tribute to inspiring companies no longer up and running, including: Alice B. Theatre, Bathhouse Theatre, Empty Space Theatre, Northwest Asian American Theatre, and the Seattle Group Theatre.

The series continues on February 8 with a focus on the Northwest Asian American Theatre (NWAAT). The evening will include reading excerpts from The Wash by Philip Kan Gotanda, Miss Minidoka 1943 by Gary Iwamoto, and FOB by David Henry Hwang. Former NWAAT artists participating include: Stan Asis, Leilani Berinobis, Kathy Hsieh, Bea Kiyohara, Maydene Pang, Stephen Sumida, Marilyn Tokuda, and Herb Tsuchiya. A reception will follow the readings.

Seattle Theatres Lost & Founded: Northwest Asian American Theatre

February 8 at 7:30pm

Meany Studio Theatre in Meany Hall on UW Campus

More info at: https://drama.washington.edu/events/2016-02-08/seattle-theatres-lost-founded

About Northwest Asian American Theatre

The Northwest Asian American Theatre had a rich 30 year history in Seattle. Originally called the Theatrical Ensemble of Asians (TEA), the company was formed by a group of Asian American students on the University of Washington campus in 1974. Led by Stan Asis, the group included Marilyn Tokuda, Yolly Irigon, Henry Tonel, Gloria Pacis, Larry Wong, and Maria Batayola. In 1975, TEA moved off campus, formally joined the newly developed Asian Multi Media Center, and changed their name to Asian Exclusion Act (AEA). The first AEA production was Frank Chin's The Year of the Dragon. Throughout the late 70s and early 80s, the company produced seasons of full length Asian American plays in various theatres throughout the city. In 1978, Bea Kiyohara became artistic director of the organization and, in 1981, renamed the Asian Exclusion Act the Northwest Asian American Theatre (NWAAT) to better reflect its regional and ethnic identity. In 1987, NWAAT opened the world premiere of Gary Iwamoto's Miss Minidoka 1943 in their new permanent home at Theatre Off Jackson in Seattle's International District. The play was a hit and NWAAT soon became the flagship Asian American theatre company in the Northwest, producing plays by David Henry Hwang, Philip Kan Gotanda, Elizabeth Wong, Wakako Yamauchi, and many more. Though Kiyohara resigned in 1993, the company continued to produce seasons of work under various artistic leaders, including Judi Nihei, Chil Kong, Rosa Joshi, and Chay Yew. The company's final production was in 2004.

About The University of Washington School of Drama

The UW School of Drama develops innovative and courageous artists and scholars poised to be the creative leaders of tomorrow.

For 75 years it has served as one of this country's leading training institutions for theatre artists and scholars. The School of Drama offers MFA degrees in acting, design, and directing, a four-year undergraduate liberal arts education in Drama, and a PhD in theatre history and criticism. Faculty and alumni have founded theatres such as ACT-A Contemporary Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Empty Space Theatre, Wing-it Productions, and most recently, the Washington Ensemble Theatre, Azeotrope, and The Horse in Motion.

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