Performance

DisOrientalism: Michelle Yeoh VS. Godzilla

Tuesday, February 28, 2023
7PM

It is 2023 we have still have a serious #stopasianhate situation since a certain someone dubbed Coronavirus the “China Virus” or “Kung Flu.” In the spiritual jet stream of Hollywood superstar Michelle Yeoh, (the odds-on favorite to be the first Asian Woman to win a best actress), an entire cohort of killer Nuyorasian Artists — New York’s premier Asian American performers – are tearing up the stage and changing the dynamic with their world class talent.

Top notch performers from Broadway, Stand Up Comedy, Burlesque, Rock and Classical Music (with a twist) join forces for one electrifying show. Curated and hosted by notorious comedienne/rapper Kate Siahaan-Rigg alongside child star-turned-Broadway actress Olivia Oguma. This program lasts about 75 minutes and is recommended to boost your immunity against boredom, inaction, xenophobia, and orientalism.

Kate Siahaan-Rigg (@kateriggnyc): A star on the Manhattan comedy scene, host and curator Kate Rigg graduated from Juilliard’s drama division and immediately began moonlighting in comedy and spoken word club stages around the country, creating solo shows (Zombie Asian Moms, Happy Lucky Golden Tofu Panda Dragon Good Time Fun Fun Show) and creating wild events like this one all over the city. She is the lead singer and lyricist for legendary Nuyorasian power duo Slanty Eyed Mama, and has had her original works invited to the Smithsonian, The Comedy Central Theater, HBO Time Warner Workspace, LA Grand Performances, and many International Festivals. As a comic you have seen her on Comedy Central, Showtime, NBC, PBS, and in dive bars and comedy clubs all over. She is currently the chief creative officer for the newly formed Center for Diversity, Disability & Inclusion (DD&I).

Olivia Oguma (@olioguma): Co-host Olivia was the first Asian-American Young Cosette in Les Misérables and has been wowing New York audiences ever since in the Broadway casts of Mamma Mia, A Christmas Carol, Disney’s High School Musical and many off Broadway shows. She has appeared in many, many productions of Miss Saigon (and zero productions of King and I. ) She does a lot of plays where she is usually crying or playing a 14 year old and sometimes, she plays a crying 14 year old. She has also been on a bunch of TV shows where she usually plays the token Asian assistant who drops something at inopportune times.

Art Cai (@fartcai) is a stand up comedian and host of the JERRY SEINFELD PRESENTS… show and the award-winning TEACH ME GOOD podcast. He’s performed for Buzzfeed, Vox, the New York Comedy Festival, Caroline’s, Asian Comedy Festival and Diverse AF Festival and once in Thailand.

Lex the Lexicon Artist (@lextheconartist) is a former academic overachiever-turned shamelessly nerdy rapper performing at anime festivals,faming conventions and other nerd core venues. Combining the influences of internet culture, Asian culture, cringe culture, and fandom, LEX creates weird, fun, brainy music to make you think, rage, and heal.

Rob Chen @robchenhere is a proud NYC Asian American actor, artist, and spoken word artist.He makes videos on his Cantonese American identity and vlogs about the people and communities he encounters.

Manatsu Tanaka @manatsu.tanaka is a bicultural performing artist; 13 years in Japan and 13 years in the US! Their career spans contemporary dance works, immersive theater, and music.

EJ Zimmerman @ejzimmerman47 is a Korean adoptee who grew up in Maryland. EJ made her Broadway debut as Eponine on Les Miserables and has also played such iconic roles as Sally Bowles in Cabaret and Nancy in Oliver. She plays violin, raps and composes original music.

Slanty Eyed Mama (@slantyeyedmama): Fixtures at Asian-American heritage festivals across the world, profiled on PBS, twice invited to the Smithsonian Institute this multi award winning duo combine powerful electric violin with rock comedy and spoken word.