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~ All material
written and performed by DAN KWONG
~
“WHAT? NO PING-PONG BALLS?”
A multimedia performance
by DAN KWONG Music by KENNY ENDO
A moving, insightful and hilarious tribute to Kwong’s late mother, Momo Nagano. It’s the tale of a Japanese American woman from “the greatest generation”, living life unapologetically as a single parent and artist, joyously defying society to limit her.
Kwong traces Nagano’s journey from all-American girlhood in Los Angeles to WWII internment camp; from defiant marriage with a Chinese immigrant to single divorcee with four young kids; from urban housewife to Venice Beach artist. As Nagano’s path traverses the terrain of the Civil Rights Movement, modern feminism and hippie counter-culture, we witness this woman’s courage, stubborn determination and fierce motherly devotion.
Along the way Kwong shares his experiences as the only son, providing his signature comedy through puppetry, props and song – and, as Nagano herself has a sense of humor that shines throughout -- demonstrating that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
WNPPB is rich with multimedia: home movies, animation, documentary footage, archival family photos and period television clips transport the audience into the world of this unusual woman and her unique interpretation of family.
Immensely entertaining, WNPPB also informs and educates about Japanese-American internment; single Asian American mothers of multiple generations; the evolution of contemporary women’s rights and the American family.
Running time: 96 minutes, plus intermission.
“IT'S GREAT 2B
AMERICAN”
A multimedia performance
by DAN KWONG
A
funny and fierce, highly-political piece inspired by Kwong’s
discoveries while traveling in Asia. IG2BA grapples with the
irony of having a U.S. passport and an Asian face. Equal parts
documentary travelogue, satirical dance review, irreverent
U.S. history lesson, and poignant personal storytelling, IG2BA
confronts the Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde within the American
psyche; from champion of democracy to global imperialist bully.
IG2BA is a darkly humorous search for a national identity
beyond arrogance, denial, and guilt. Sometimes eloquent, sometimes
blunt, Kwong moves with a muscular grace amidst striking visual
imagery. It's a timely and hard-hitting work that speaks powerfully
to America’s place in the world: its checkered past,
troubled present, and hopeful future.
Running time: 76 minutes
“FROM INNER WORLDS
TO OUTER SPACE ”
An Evening of Performance
with DAN KWONG
A program
featuring excerpts from Dan's book of the same title, including
some of his most powerful and compelling pieces from various
performances such as "The Night The Moon Landed on 39th
Street", "The Dodo Vaccine", "Monkhood
in 3 Easy Lessons", "Secrets of The Samurai Centerfielder",
"Tales From The Fractured Tao" and more.
Running time: 2 hours plus intermission.
“MORE TALES FROM
THE LOCKER ROOM —
and other smelly places..."
An Evening of
Performance with DAN KWONG
A 70 minute program
featuring a medley of short pieces focusing on issues of gender
and sexuality.
“STATION WAGONS
OF LIFE”
Dan Kwong takes you on a hilarious cruise down memory lane.
True tales of growing up in a working-class Asian American
family in that land of dreams, Hollywood, U.S.A. See the U.S.A.
in your Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, Datsun, Subaru, or God forbid,
your Volvo...
Running time: 22:00
“DODGERTOWN”
A funny yet deeply moving short piece about growing up a devoted
follower of the home team, including Dan's special technique
for getting into Dodger games for free, professional sports
as a substitute for Prozac, and a stunning vision at Dodger
Stadium.
Running time: 16:00
All programs
include post-performance discussion with the Artist.
“FROM
INNER WORLDS”
4 hour intensive introductory workshop on autobiographical
writing & performing.
“SOCIALIZATION OF IDENTITY”
One-hour lecture presentation exploring race, class, culture,
gender, sexuality.
FOR
BOOKING ENQUIRIES AND FURTHER INFORMATION:
DKBB12@AOL.COM
(310) 453-4544
