Andrew Hamlin
Northwest Asia Weekly
“Speak Up! Inspiring Asian Americans,” a live talk show, will be held at the Jackson Theater from September 23-24, featuring theatrical performers, musicians, comedy, dance troupes and cats, among other attractions King imitators. But the festive surface does hide some more serious problems.
Kathy Hsieh, who organized the event through SIS Productions, said the show was held in large part because of “the massive amount of coverage in the news media that has fueled anti-Asian hatred and bigotry throughout the pandemic.
Sometimes the most powerful way to fight hatred and bigotry is to let people see who they think is the “other” of human beings. Stories and art express who we are as human beings, so what better way to share our humanity than through art to share who we are as Asian Americans. “
Seattle-based actor, writer and director Hsieh had the initial idea for the show and got in touch with the artists. The talk show format means that some actors will chat with the audience, some will perform, and some will play games with the audience to win prizes.
“The prizes we’ve got are like what one might find in a talk show format,” Hsieh elaborates. “We have gift certificates or merchandise from different Asian American businesses and other gifts like food or chocolate.
“So we do encourage people to think of the event as a talk show, but in an Asian American style, rather than a game show that feels more like a form of competition. A game would be about breaking the Asian model minority myth, we Several people in the audience will be invited to share their stories of how they didn’t fit the model minority myth, and they’ll get prizes just for participating. We’ll do some Asian American trivia.”
line-up
“Speak Up!” Talent selection is based on a combination of people who have truly inspiring stories or work to share. They include TV and movie star Amy Hill. Raymond Sismaet, who had a near-death experience with COVID back in March 2020, was showing off his ukulele skills before many in this country even knew little about the virus.
Justin Huertas writes and performs music – he just finished his first musical, Lizard Boy. The Model Minority Mom offers great advice for mothers trying to juggle career, family, and the myth of the Model Minority. Dr Anu Taranath provides life tips for anyone travelling to other countries.
Writer/performer/activist Susan Lieu is best known for her theatrical solo exhibition “140 Pounds: How Beauty Killed My Mother”.
Tony Colinares will swagger and spin with his Elvis tribute. Maritess Zurbano combines stage magic with hypnosis. Dare To Dance is a local organization that celebrates all kinds of people who want to dance. They also helped reach out to other dance companies, introducing the Eurasia Ensemble and the MMDC Dance Company. Comedian Cindy Su recently starred in Kiki’s Funny Mom’s Night, supported by SIS Productions.
As for the venue, Hsieh explained, “The Theatre Off Jackson is a lovely theatre space in the heart of Seattle’s Chinatown/International District.
SIS Productions often do projects to attract people to CID so when they come to our events they may support some local businesses and remind them that the community is here. “
When asked about future installments of the show, Hsieh believes that if the pandemic has taught us anything, it should be to “live in the moment because anything changes”. But she wouldn’t rule out future installments of the “Talk It Up” instant mix.
“Speak Up! Inspiring Asian Americans,” September 23-24 at the Jackson Theater.For showtimes, ticket prices and other information visit celebr8women.wordpress.com/events-2/talk-it-up-inspiring-asian-americans.
Andrew is available at info@nwasianweekly.com.
