Telling APIDA Stories
A Workshop Showcase Director
Chuck Mike*#
Set & Projections
Tennessee Dixon
Costumes
The Company
Lighting
Gregg Hillmar*±
Sound
Juan Mendez Guzman
Musical Direction
Eileen Doan
Choreography
Yumi Hwang
± Represented by UNITED SCENIC ARTISTS, Local USA 829 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
* Member of ALPHA PSI OMEGA, the national dramatic honorary society
# Member of the DIRECTOR’S GUILD OF GREAT BRITAIN
¨ Member of ACTOR’S EQUITY ASSOCIATION
The taking of photographs or video recordings is strictly prohibited.
Silence all cell phones and other noise-making devices. Please refrain from text messaging during the show.
This production has participatory elements: Audience members may be involved in the action.
A talkback will occur immediately after the story has concluded.
The Journey
First Stop: My Asian Body by Doro
Performed by: The Company
Second Stop: Ted’s Story
(based on an Interview with Ted Zhou)
Performed by Ted Zhou (Ted), Doro (Earl), Lauren Xavier (Director), Annabelle Zong (Max) ,Gareth Woo (Employee)
Third Stop: You’re the Dirtiest Part of This Country by Amal Ali
Performed by Aditya Narayanan & Lauren Xavier & The Company
Fourth Stop: Kevin and I By The Subway by Jeff (Ping Yen) Tsai
Performed by Jeff Tsai (Narrator), Helen Mei (Kevin), Ted Zhou (Teacher) & The Company
Fifth Stop: Ice Cream Cake by David Quach
Performed by Doro
Sixth Stop: The Pirates and the Siren Song by Malt
Performed by Annabelle Zong (Malt), Razan Khalil (Dad), Aditya Narayanan (Mom)
Seventh Stop: Response to The Pirates and the Siren Song by Gareth Woo
Performed by Gareth Woo (Respondent), Doro (Mom), Jeff Tsai (Dad)
The Journey
Eight Stop: Japanese Interview (based on an interview with Chise Ueda)
Performed by Amanda Zhang (Chise), Helen Mei (Girl 1) , Girl 2 (Annabelle Zong) & The Company
Ninth Stop: Involuntary Disconnect by Razan Khalil
Performed by Razan Khalil (Razan), Handala (As Himself)
A Note from the Director
On Telling A
sian, Pacific Islands, Desi,
Arab Stories
Telling APIDA Stories began last year with myself and a group of APIDA students, who are passionate about highlighting authentic APIDA stories. We believe that stories have the power to capture an audience and engage different people with the world around them. We believe that storytelling is an indispensable tool for social change and cultural celebration. Of critical importance, we believe that storytelling forges connections among people, and between people and ideas, by conveying the culture, history, experiences and values that unite us all. In today’s America – we could certainly use unity. We hoped to create an original theatrical performance drawn from stories and cultural aesthetics of the APIDA community.
So, we began by holding interviews, gathering and writing stories. In Spring of 2023 we held our first public reading during the MarchApril APIDA Cultural Celebrations at UR. My attendance at the May 2023 APIDA Festival in Chicago helped broaden our perspectives and contact with other APIDA artists. This Spring we’ve spent time further developing material for the stage in concert with designers and guest artists towards a workshop showcase. We are not done. This is only part of the process. There is more to come. We are seeking more stories. It is our intention to offer a full-scale production in our 25/26 Department of Theatre and Dance season.
What makes our work unique this semester is that it has, unlike previous efforts, evolved from the classroom under the auspices of my class (THTR 312: Telling Our Stories). This represents our department’s first attempt at evolving an original piece of theatre for the mainstage from within a classroom setting. And a special class this is, for it is largely comprised of APIDA students, some of whom have been involved in the project from the outset.
A Note from the Director
On the first day of class one student shouts to another who is not more than 5 minutes late; “Why the f%&k are you late ?!” Silence. A meek apology by the felon. Robust laughter from the class follows. This moment set the tone for the community that has been created amongst those before you. No breaking the ice, no bonding necessary. A readymade fellowship. A very much needed commune.
The journey has been rife with peace, thoughtfulness, understanding, joy, love and cultural sharing. And, it has been deeply collaborative. Our biggest challenge has been coping with, sifting through, making space for, negotiating and nurturing the many different brilliant ideas that have emerged from this company. Everybody, in one way or the other, has had a say in many aspects of what unfolds before you. And our brilliant off-campus professional design team and creatives have also rocked with us in the same spirit. Often, we felt like a group of jazz musicians riffing off one another’s ideas!
That being said, it is a workshop. A work in progress. We have not sought perfection. Only exploration. There will be flaws and we ask that you accept the crookeds with the straights. Your witnessing tonight is part of our excursion towards a final production destination. We welcome your feedback and wish you a pleasant journey as you join us.
We hope you will be with us at the next stop.
cm
Share Your Story
We invite you to share your story or the story of another member of our diverse APIDA community!
We are especially interested in material from those below 18 and above 45 years of age. These can take any form, including (but limited to!) poems, speeches, prose, songs, or interview transcripts! The written work should simply relate to an experience or experiences of being APIDA, whatever that may mean to you.
Scan QR Code for more information and to submit your story here.
The Production Staff
Assistant Stage Manager
Harry Xie
Publicity and Audience Development
Ted Zhou, Helen Mei, Ayanna McMullen
Primary Dramaturgs
Doro, Jeff Tsai
Secondary Dramaturgs
Gareth Woo, Lauren Xavier
Board Operators
Juan Mendez Guzman, Sharon Gregory, Harry Xie
Technical Supervisor
Phil Hayes
Light/Sound Supervisor
Robby Williams
Production Manager/ Vocal Coach
Erica Hughes
Rehearsal Stage Manager
Amanda Zhang
The Production Staff
Rehearsal Assistant Stage Manager
Annabelle Zong
Primary Props and Costumes Manager
Aditya Narayanan
Assistant Costume Manager
Annabelle Zong
Scene Shop Assistant
Liam Keenan, Alex Broening
The Creative Team
Chuck Mike (Director) is an award-winning, internationallyacclaimed theatre director, playmaker, educator and social activist. Some of his main-stage productions have appeared on the stages of The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., The Royal Court Theatre in London, The Edinburgh Festival and National Theatre of Nigeria. Some highlights include: Fences, Raisin in the Sun, Macbutu (after Macbeth), Sense of Belonging, Things Fall Apart (World Tour), Yerma, Women of Owu (after Trojan Woman), Tegonni (after Antigone), The Meeting, Zhe:(Noun) Undefined, The Story, Pure Confidence and Craters. He enjoys devising original work and has initiated performances for social change in rural and urban communities across Africa, Europe, Canada and America and has been an artist-inresidence/workshop leader and educator in leading academic and artistic institutions globally. Among these include the University of Leeds, Oxford University, University of Toronto, New York University, University of Ife (Nigeria), London’s Royal National Theatre Studio and the Windybrow Theatre of Johannesburg. Founding Artistic Director for Collective Artistes (Nigeria and UK) and The Performance Studio Workshop of Nigeria, Chuck Mike has been the recipient of grants from International Telephone and Telegraph/Fulbright, MacArthur and Ford Foundations and the American Cultural Specialist program. He is the co-curator, with Carlyle Brown, for the Cultural Diaspora program, a residency for playwrights of African descent in Cassis, France and the Afro-Atlantic Playwrights Festival.
The Creative Team
Tennessee Dixon (Scenic/Projections) is delighted to be a part of this collaborative work with UR students. Recent new play productions include: MEMORIES OF OVERDEVELOPMENT (Firehouse Theatre), THE OVERVIEW EFFECT & USHUAIA BLUE (Contemporary American Theater Festival), RICHARD 3.0 (Synetic Theater), AFTER DECEMBER and END OF WAR (Virginia Repertory Theatre). Dance and interdisciplinary productions: CITY OF PAPER by choreographer Yin Mei (Jacobs Pillow), TOUCHING THE MOONS by master kamungo musician Jin Hi Kim (Kennedy Center, The Kitchen NYC, Mass Moca). On a Fulbright in Hungary created interactive video projections with choreographer Ivan Angeles and company is a new work (Trafó Kortárs Művészetek Háza).
Juan Mendez Guzman (any prounouns) (Sound Designer/Engineer) is a sound engineer from Winston Salem, North Carolina. After graduating from the University of Richmond in 2023, he went on to learn mixing live music in an internship at The Broadberry. They now work across multiple venues across Richmond, including The Camel, Gallery5, Get Tight Lounge, River City Roll, and now including Modlin Center for the Arts.
Gregg Hillmar (Lighting Design) is a proud UR alum, class of… well, ye olde days! Gregg’s scenic and lighting designs have been seen in more than 200 productions at theatres from off-Broadway to Las Vegas and have won somewhere around two dozen “best design” awards in multiple cities, including 7 of the coveted Phoebe awards here in Richmond. In addition to theatre work, Gregg designs galleries and exhibits, and authored a best-selling manual called Light Plot Deconstructed about using Vectorworks, a 2d/3d CAD software package, in theatrical practice. He is an active member of United Scenic Artists of America Local 829, the union for professional theatrical designers, is head of the Theatre program at RandolphMacon College, and, in his copious free time, is a certified cycling
The Creative Team
coach and cycling skills instructor who averages about 100 miles a week on a bike.
David Quach (he/him) (Storyteller /Writer – Ice Cream Cake ) is just trying to figure out life. He is a Chicago based data scientist and storyteller who hits audiences with unexpected—and sometimes unintentional—humor. He told his first story at a Moth Story Slam in 2019 which led to invitations to perform at shows across Chicago, including You’re Being Ridiculous, 80 Minutes Around The World, Story Club, Back Room Stories, First Person Live, Soul Stories Live and Stand & Deliver, Story Serenade and many more. David’s documentary film about his family Dad vs Bees is currently in post production. David’s creative style has been shaped by being raised by Asian parents in Australia, The Second City and iO improvisation programs, and Barbara Minto’s book on effective business writing. Updates on David’s documentary film Dad vs Bees, can be found on his Instagram: @QuachDavid.
Eileen Doan (she/him) (Music) is a Chicago-based actor and singersongwriter. She has performed as an actor regionally in theatres like Portland Stage, Hangar Theatre, TheatreSquared, Victory Gardens Theatre, City Theatre, and Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre. She has been independently releasing and performing original music since 2015 and is a multi-instrumentalist. You can find her music on all streaming platforms.
Akira Suzuki (Drum) is a Japanese professor at UR since 1989. Jazz drummer for 60 years and still active with the group called, Doctors of Jazz. Member of River City Taiko since 2011. He is delighted to play taiko for the students!
The Creative Team
Yumi Hwang (Movement/Choreography/Drum) studied classical ballet and modern dance in Japan, AR, GA. Danced professionally at a ballet company in Atlanta. Member of River City Taiko since 2012. Yumi feel so grateful for this opportunity to work with Chuck and talented students!
Harry Xie (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freshman student from Shanghai intending to do a double major in theatre and accounting. After being an ASM for Fairview last semester, he is excited to work with Chuck again on this meaningful art piece. He’d like to give a big appreciation to the cast, crew, storywriters, and others who helped to make this amazing piece happen.
Ayanna McMullen (Community Mobilizer, Publicity Designer, Audience Development) is pleased to work with the Department of Theatre and Dance again on the production of Telling APIDA Stories. Her work as dramaturgical and research assistant on previous productions at Modlin include: Threshold, The Story, Race, Intimate Apparel, Pure Confidence, Smart People and Standing Together 6Ft Apart, where she also did publicity designs and community mobilizing. Other dramaturgical work includes; Unsung (Everyman Theatre, Liverpool, UK); Not All Canoes Sail Back Home: Maya, Maryse & Efua in Nkrumah’s Ghana (Kennedy Center, DC and the National Theatre of Ghana, Accra, Ghana). In addition to her work in theatre, Ayanna “The Catalyst” is a social entrepreneur and master connector who ignites teams and organizations to focus, flow and grow to launch their ideas. Owner of Harmony Organizing and Founder of The Network Incubator, she is a professional organizer, startup business strategist, community engagement strategist and public speaker.
The Cast
Gareth Woo is a sophomore from Malaysia, majoring in Journalism and Global Studies. He is excited to get back on stage with a production that he connects with deeply. After a tough semester, he is delighted to showcase the work of this class, one filled with strong personalities, bright energies, and slay-tastic individuals!
Razan Khalil (she/they) is a recent 2023 UR graduate where she studied psychology. Originally from Chicago, Razan came to UR in 2019 as a biology major. This will be her very first stage performance in the theater department, a personal accomplishment of hers to unleash the inner theatre kid within her. She’s excited to work alongside such talented, empathetic, and communal people.
Aditya (Adi) Narayanan (he/him) is a junior from Mumbai, India, majoring in Biology and Psychology with a Neuroscience concentration. He has been involved in Theatre at UR since his freshman year, and is excited to collaborate with this cast and crew to present the works of these talented writers and artists.
Helen Mei (she/her) is a sophomore from Shanghai, China. She double majors in Rhetoric and Communication studies and Psychology with a minor in Film. She has been involved in big and small productions at UR since her freshman year, making the climb up Modlin hill a constant struggle. Helen appreciates the good vibes from the theatre people and is glad to have found this APIDA community on campus.
Jeff Tsai [蔡秉言] (he/him) is a Taiwanese sophomore majoring in Biology with minors in Film & Visual Arts. He made his first theatrical debut in the UWC Play Festival at Dilijan, Armenia. He’s glad to be a part of this talented and funny company to showcase the empowering stories we have in store!
The Cast
Annabelle Zong is a sophomore at UR from Shanghai, with a major in Communication Studies. Member of UR players and the theater honor society. She’s always interested in theater and its relation to cultural studies and is glad to be in this production!
Amanda(雅涵) Zhang is a sophomore from Beijing, China, majoring in economics with a concentration in data analytics. She is grateful for having the opportunity, as her first time in college to be a part of a theater production, to work with such an amazing ensemble who are capable of delivering love and have loving souls.
Lauren Xavier is a senior at UR with a major in Computer Science and a minor in LAIS. She grew up in North Carolina, but has a South Asian cultural background. She is a member of UR Players and the president of STC, UR’s improv troupe. She is thankful to have a production that she connects with so much as her last one here at UR.
Ziran (Ted) Zhou is a junior at UR from Sichuan, China, with a double major in anthropology and psychology. Ted is dedicated to exploring his diverse identities and advocating for awareness of the challenges faced by those who share these identities. His passion extends into his academic research, focusing on the intersections of his cultural background and mental health. Ted is thrilled to participate in his first production at UR, finding the experience to be a therapeutic journey that helps him find light in the dark times.
Doro (any/all) is excited to finally see this phase of the show come together! A Malaysian junior majoring in Performance Studies, they've been working with Chuck to compile stories for this show since last year. They're honored to be part of such a talented, tightknit, funny and chaotic cast.
Department of Theatre & Dance Faculty & Staff
Alicia Díaz* Associate Professor
Phil Hayes* Technical Supervisor/Shop Foreman
Patricia Herrera* Professor
Heather Hogg* Director of Costume
Dorothy Holland*^ Associate Professor
Erica Hughes Production Manager
Rhonda Jackson* Administrative Coordinator
Chuck Mike*# Associate Professor
Johann Stegmeir*± Associate Professor
Anne Norman Van Gelder* Director of Dance
Emmy Weldon Assistant Professor
Maja E. White*± Associate Professor
Robby Williams* Lighting & Sound Supervisor
Olivier Delers Interim Chair
^ Member of the STAGE DIRECTORS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS SOCIETY, a national theatrical labor union.
± Represented by UNITED SCENIC ARTISTS, Local USA 829 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
* Member of ALPHA PSI OMEGA, the national dramatic honorary society.
# Member of the DIRECTOR’S GUILD OF GREAT BRITAIN.
Department of Theatre & Dance UR Players Officers
Maddi Lewis*
Grace Allen*
Keira Vogel*
Gareth Woo*
Virginia Thompson
Annabelle Garcia, Ian Murphy*
Alex Broening*
Zara Hertafeld*
Artistic Director
Managing Director Secretary Historian
Public Relations
Social Chairs
Student-Faculty Liaison
Student-Theatre Liaison
Alpha Psi Omega Officers
Melanie Sanchez*
Will Hoffman*
Katherine Goldbach Ehmer*
Cameron Peterson*
Aditya Narayanan* President Vice President Secretary Business Manager Historian
Special Thanks
Phil Hayes
Robby Williams
Erica Hughes
Heather Hogg
Rhonda Jackson
Olivier Delers
Jennifer Cavenaugh
Chris O’Neil
UR Players
The Modlin Center Staff
BPRC Faculty of Arts and Sciences
And… the many individuals who lent their stories, voices, art and courage to making this stop on our
Telling APIDA Stories Cast