By Amie Howell
Daily Bruin Contributor
Everyone has a story to tell, and the cast members of the Asian
American theater company Hereandnow are no different.
This young group of non-profit performers played at UCLA’s
Northwest Campus Auditorium May 10, presented by CAPSA (Concerned
Asian Pacific Islander students for action), Sangam, the Office of
Residential Life and Hedrick Hall Six North.
Varying between comical satire, touching sincerity and social
commentary, provided audience members with a wide array of emotions
in order to confront topics pertaining to Asian American life.
One example of Hereandnow’s unique blend of humor and
commentary was the “Sushi” vignette. Absurd humor laced
with subtle social commentary about unintentional prejudices, this
section of the production had the audience laughing at
well-intended comments disguising racial stereotypes.
Touring throughout the country, the company is not solely
directed at a predominantly Asian American audience.
This balance of humor and drama proves to create a strong
performance.
“A good way to get off a message is (with) comedy and
drama,” said Ryan Suda, a performer with the company.
“You’ve got to make them laugh, you’ve got to
make them cry.”
Suda, a five-year veteran of Hereandnow and graduate of Cal
State Fullerton, sees the group as an opportunity to represent
Asian Americans from their own viewpoints.
“We’re creating art from our own eyes” said
Suda “I get to tell my story from my eyes, not from some
writer that doesn’t know what my story is.”
All the material for the company is written by director John
Miyasaki and members of the cast.
Created in 1989 by director Miyasaki, Hereandnow currently has a
cast of 20 and tours regularly to universities, festivals and
conferences throughout the country.
Touring throughout the country, the company has played for
audiences that were not substantially Asian American, and have
still found success.
“I think our show speaks to everyone,” said Rona Lee
Par, who is also in her fifth year with the theater company and
graduated from UC Irvine. “(Others) can relate because
it’s from a personal place.”
Spending time together on the road and after rehearsal, cast
members see Hereandnow as more than merely an opportunity to
perform.
“We have to love it. I’m not using it as a stepping
stone for television or film. It’s not a job … it’s
more of a family,” Suda said.
Rather than work together for a short runtime, like many theater
casts, some members of Hereandnow have been part of the performance
group for seven years.
This view of the Theatre Company is shared by cast member Rima
Anosa, a UC Berkeley graduate.
“Hereandnow is kind of a second family for some,”
Anosa said. “I’m learning a lot.”
Anosa, who is one of the six new members brought into the
company, is learning to adapt.
“It’s been challenging. I was really shy,”
Anosa said.
The intimate atmosphere is evident during their performances,
along with a sense of chemistry between the performers ““
which adds to the production.
These friendships aid in the overall quality of the
performance.
“Everyone adds their own energy,” said Par.
“You take those friendships on stage and it shows,”
Suda said.
Together, these friends and performers join together to form
Hereandnow. They share humor, sadness, insight and commentary with
their audiences, speaking from the heart and experience.
Most importantly, however, they share their stories.