Beyond Orientalism forum comes to Asian Arts Initiative

On September 26, three local arts organizations are teaming up for an important conversation on a wide range of issues affecting Asian American arts and arts professionals in our city.

Beyond Orientalism: The Philadelphia Forum will discuss “yellow-face portrayals of Asians onstage and in the media,” and strategies for more diversity and inclusivity within organizations as a whole. Theatre Ccommunications Group's Director of Artistic Programs Emilya Cachapero will give the keynote address, and will continue onto a panel discussion with five notable Philly voices. Creative Philadelphia’s program coordinator Pamela Yau will join Gina Pisasale, the resident dramaturg at People’s Light; local actor Justin Jain; Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers choreographer and dancer Maggie Zhao; and Jefferson University Professor of Psychiatry Dr. Salman Akhtar.

The Asian American Performers Action Coalition (AAPAC), alongside many partners, hosted a similar forum earlier this year. AAPAC defines “Orientalism” as “the way white America has traditionally seen Asian Americans,” and points out the still-pervasive use of yellowface and brownface to depict east, south east, or south Asian people — when Asian people are not whitewashed out of stories completely.

The Philly forum is happening thanks to a partnership between Philadelphia Asian Performing Artists, InterAct, and the event’s host, Asian Arts Initiative.

Beyond Orientalism: The Philadelphia Forum is coming up on September 26 from 6-9pm at Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine Street, Philadelphia. The event is free, but you can register in advance online.