In this episode, veteran writer, Velina Hasu Houston, and actor and writer, Jeanne Sakata, reunite over their experiences losing a parent at a young age and living in the racially nonbinary space of being Asian American and multiracial in the United States.
This month:
Pieces Read
About Velina Hasu Houston
Velina Hasu Houston's literary career began Off-Broadway at Manhattan Theatre Club, expanding globally. With 30 commissions, she’s been honored by institutions such as the Japan Foundation, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, and Theatre Communications Group. She founded graduate playwriting at the University of Southern California and directed dramatic writing there for 31 years; she is a presidentially appointed Distinguished Professor, USC Resident Playwright and School of Dramatic Arts/Iovine Young Academy faculty. A Fulbright Scholar, she served on the state department's Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission. She is a Writers’ Odyssey Associate Artist, Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, and affiliated with New Circle Theatre Company.
About Jeanne Sakata
Actor-playwright Jeanne Sakata’s solo play Hold These Truths (Drama Desk nomination, Outstanding Solo Performance; Theatre Bay Awards, Outstanding Lead Performance, Direction and Production; San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award, Outstanding Solo Performance), has won accolades in over twenty productions at the Arena Stage, Guthrie Theatre, ACT Seattle, Portland Center Stage, TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, Pasadena Playhouse, and more. Her latest play, For Us All, was commissioned and produced in 2021 by L.A. Theatre Works. Jeanne recently enjoyed recurring/guest star roles in ABC’s Station 19; CBS’ NCIS Hawai’I, NCIS Los Angeles, and Magnum P.I.; Disney’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series and Big Hero 6; she has also performed in regional theaters nationwide (Los Angeles Ovation Award, Outstanding Lead Actress, Chay Yew’s Red, East West Players). Websites: jeannesakata.com, holdthesetruths.info