Joyful Activism

How can artists use their creative practice to respond to the moment, build solidarity, and support the communities they care about?

Join us for an interactive workshop exploring the intersection of art, activism, and community-building with multidisciplinary artist and activist Perry Yung, co-founder of SLANT Performance Group.

Inspired by the legacy of New York City’s Basement Workshop and San Francisco’s Kearny Street Workshop, this participatory session invites artists to reflect on how creative practice can foster connection, resilience, and positive change through building solidarity.

Through theater improvisation exercises, creative collaboration, and group reflection, participants will investigate questions such as:

• Why do I make art?
• Where does my inspiration come from?
• Who is my work for?
• What impact can art have on the world around me?

Drawing from decades of artistic and community-based practice, Perry will share personal stories and examples of art that continues to resonate across generations – such as his spoken word piece Diary of a Paper Son, which explores the legacy of the Chinese Exclusion Act, as well as the enduring influence of Civil Rights leaders such as Corky Lee, Grace Lee Boggs, Yuri Kochiyama, and Angela Davis.

Together, participants will examine how art activism can serve as a catalyst for storytelling, solidarity, and social change – all in the spirit of fun and flow. In the words of Angela Davis, “It’s a lifetime of work. Learn to enjoy it.”

Whether you are an emerging artist beginning to define your voice or an established artist looking to deepen the impact of your work, this workshop offers an opportunity to connect with fellow creatives, generate new ideas, and explore pathways for meaningful engagement. We only ask that you bring an open, collaborative spirit, and willingness to investigate your work and its place in society.

This event is free and open to the public, but RSVP is required. To help keep our programs free, there is a suggested donation of $10. Capacity is limited to 15 people to help create an intimate, supportive, and participatory environment. There will be a waitlist.

Accessibility: LaMama’s theatre rehearsal space is at 47 Great Jones Street on the 4th floor, with elevators that are wheelchair accessible.

Front Entrance: The front doors open and are not automatic. It is wheelchair accessible.

Elevators: There is an elevator. The elevator door is 33” wide. The interior of the elevator is 43” x 53”.

Bathroom: The restroom door on the 4th floor is 27” wide. There is a restroom on the 6th floor that is slightly wider. Please note neither of them have hand rails.

General: The 4th floor has two window A/C units.

If you require any accommodations including ASL interpretation, language translation, or large print, please email lxu@aaartsalliance.org at least one week before the event. We will do our best to accommodate.

About Perry Yung (he/him)
Perry Yung, born in Oakland, CA, is an actor, musician, and activist whose artistry has shaped both stage and screen for over three decades. A longtime member of La MaMa’s Great Jones Repertory Group, he co-founded the Asian American performance collective SLANT Performance Group, known for subversive explorations of Asian American identity. His screen credits include HBO/Netflix’s Warrior, Netflix’s The 3 Body Problem, The Knick, and John Wick 2. As an award-winning shakuhachi bamboo flute musician, Perry has studied in Japan under the Japan-United States Friendship Commission and Asian Cultural Council artist fellowships. He performs live and records for film and television scores worldwide, most recently on the score for all three seasons of the Warrior series. In 2024, Perry made his festival debut as a film director at the Disorient Film Festival in Eugene, OR, with his short experimental music film “Stop Asian Hate Love One Another,” which was nominated for best music video. Beyond his artistic work, he is an advocate for justice, delivering national keynote speeches against anti-Asian violence and for workplace equity. He was recognized with awards for his activism by the California Asian American Bar Associate and Asians Fighting Injustice in New York.