EXTENDED THROUGH JUNE 30: ConFest Hawaii Virtual Showcase

Originally planned as a limited 9-day showcase celebrating the excellence of scores of theater artists from Hawaiʻi, Guåhan, and the continental US, CAATA is responding to audience feedback.

“A recurring theme of the feedback we’ve received has been the sense that the limited run did not provide enough time to view and fully absorb the diverse range of presentations from these vibrant theater artists and the communities they represent.” – Leilani Chan, ConFest Co-Chair

CAATA offers this Virtual Showcase to celebrate the vibrance of our diverse community as a step towards forming deep, long-term connections between Hawaiʻi artists and Asian American theater artists on the continent while reaching out to artists throughout the Pacific.

Featured presentations include full production digital captures of Keola Simpson’s I’M LOT LANE (a solo effort), UNSPOKEN by Breaking Wave Theatre Company of Guåhan, Susan Lieu’s 140 LBS: HOW BEAUTY KILLED MY MOTHER, Jason Bayani’s LOCUS OF CONTROL, and Kristina Wong’s KRISTINA WONG FOR PUBLIC OFFICE, Hypokrit Production’s EH DAH? QUESTIONS FOR MY FATHER by Aya Aziz, Melisa Orozco Vargas’ PEDANDA BAKA, THE POND PRANKSTER (a contemporary wayang) and THE RED CHADOR: MUSLIM FUTURES IN TIMES OF CRISIS, an in-depth discussion led by Anida Yoeu Ali.

CAATA focuses on Kānaka Maoli voices with CAATA Board Member and ConFest Co-Chair Hailiʻōpua Baker presenting two Hawaiian-medium productions from the Hawaiian Theatre Program HE LEO ALOHA and HO‘OILINA, and HAWAI‘I NŌ KA ‘OI: A SAKAMOTO CELEBRATION from the Department of Theatre and Dance housed at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Baker stated that “our program is honored to participate in CAATA’s virtual festival which will amplify mo‘olelo and the creative endeavors of our students.”

CAATA places a spotlight on the Micronesian experience in Hawaiʻi with CAATA Board Member and ConFest Co-Chair Leilani Chan and TeAda Productions’ MASTERS OF THE CURRENTS.

CAATA also showcases the work of Hawaiʻi partner and ally theater companies Kumu Kahua Theatre, T-Shirt Theater and Honolulu Theatre for Youth.

Alongside this artistic showcase, CAATA spotlights Healing Over Hate, its ongoing series addressing the dramatic surge of anti-Asian violence that had manifested in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. CAATA Board President Leslie Ishii leads conversations with Pun Bandhu and Christine Toy Johnson of Asian American Performers Action Coalition (recipients of the 2022 Tony Honor for Excellence in Theatre); Lily Tung Crystal and Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay of Theater Mu; Adriana Li of IMPACT Boston; and therapist Ginger Klee. As the violence persists nationwide, CAATA continues to stand against hate in solidarity with all communities experiencing race-based hate. This open-ended series centers the needs of the Asian American community in this uncertain and frightening time, and provides resources and actionable strategies for healing, safety, and activism.

This diverse array of presentations is currency available on-demand through June 30, to engage, entertain, inform and inspire registrants.  Registration for this ConFest Virtual Showcase includes a one year of CAATA membership. CAATA invites registrants to join in its mission to advance the field of Asian American theater through a national network of organizations, artists and allies. CAATA collaborates to inspire learning and sharing of knowledge, and resources to promote a healthy, sustainable artistic ecology. CAATA hopes to engage an active membership, while preparing for future ConFests.

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