East West Players

East West Players. Founded in 1965, it is the longest-running professional theatre of color and the largest producer of Asian American artistic work in the United States. Established by a coalition of actors including Mako and James Hong, the organization was created to combat stereotyping and provide opportunities for Asian American performers in Hollywood. Based in the Little Tokyo neighborhood of Los Angeles, it has been a foundational force in cultivating Asian American narratives and talent for over five decades.

History

The organization was founded in 1965 by a group of actors frustrated by the limited and often demeaning roles available to Asian American performers in mainstream American theatre and film. Key founders included Mako, Beulah Quo, James Hong, and Pat Li. Its first production was the 1966 play Rashomon, adapted by Fay and Michael Kanin. Initially operating out of a church basement in Silver Lake, the company moved to a 99-seat venue in Little Tokyo in 1998. This space, named the David Henry Hwang Theater in 2013, became its permanent home. The group's evolution mirrors the broader growth of the Asian American movement and its fight for representation in the arts.

Mission and impact

The core mission is to give voice to the Asian American experience and to challenge perceptions through theatrical excellence. It serves as a vital incubator for new works that explore the diversity of the Asian diaspora, addressing themes of identity, immigration, and cultural conflict. Its impact is seen in its role as a career launchpad for generations of artists who have gone on to prominence in Broadway, television, and film. The organization has significantly influenced the cultural landscape, advocating for authentic representation and inspiring similar institutions like the Ma-Yi Theater Company and the National Asian American Theatre Company.

Productions and programs

The season typically includes a mix of world premieres, contemporary plays, and reimagined classics. Notable productions include early works like The Chickencoop Chinaman by Frank Chin, the Pulitzer Prize-finalist M. Butterfly by David Henry Hwang, and more recent works like Leah Nanako Winkler's Kentucky. It also produces the annual Face of the Future gala and developmental programs such as the David Henry Hwang Writers Institute and the New Works Festival. These initiatives provide critical support for emerging playwrights, directors, and actors, fostering the next generation of Asian American theatre artists.

Leadership and notable alumni

The founding artistic director was Mako, whose leadership set the artistic tone for decades. Subsequent artistic directors have included Tim Dang and Snehal Desai. The board has included influential figures like George Takei. Its alumni network comprises a who's who of Asian American entertainment, including actors John Cho, Kal Penn, Sandra Oh, Daniel Dae Kim, and Randall Park. Playwrights such as David Henry Hwang, Philip Kan Gotanda, and Velina Hasu Houston have had seminal works staged here, cementing its reputation as a creative epicenter.

Awards and recognition

The organization has received numerous accolades for its contributions to the arts and community. It has been honored with the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and multiple Ovation Awards for its productions. Individual artists developed here have won major awards including the Tony Award, the Obie Award, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. In 2015, it celebrated its 50th anniversary, a milestone recognized by institutions like the Los Angeles City Council and the California State Legislature, underscoring its enduring cultural significance.

Category:Asian-American theatre Category:Theatre companies in Los Angeles Category:Arts organizations established in 1965