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In this episode of SLANT, host Dana Tai Soon Burgess interviews Mark H. Rooney, master taiko drummer and founder of the annual Sakura Taiko Fest in Washington, D.C. Mark reflects on his biracial Japanese American identity and the complexities of navigating cultural belonging in both the U.S. and Japan. He shares his journey from growing up in Massachusetts to finding his cultural roots through taiko drumming, eventually becoming a prominent instructor and performer in the U.S., Japan, and Europe. Dive into a rich conversation about the history of taiko, its spiritual and historical significance, and the power of cultural arts in fostering connections across continents. Mark also highlights the evolution of taiko as a modern ensemble performance and his ongoing mission to teach and expand the art form.

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In this episode of SLANT, host Dana Tai Soon Burgess welcomes acclaimed authors Frances and Ginger Park, two Korean American sisters whose works span novels, memoirs, and children’s literature. Frances, author of the recently released novel Blue Rice, and Ginger, known for award-winning books like The Hundred Choices Department Store, reflect on how their Korean heritage, family history, and childhood memories inspire their stories. The sisters discuss growing up in post-war America, their parents’ immigration, and the profound impact of Korea’s history on their writing. They also share insights into their collaborative process and running their long-standing Washington D.C. chocolate shop, Chocolate Chocolate. Join the conversation as they explore how personal and cultural memory shape their powerful storytelling.

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 Today, we revisit episode two from season one of Slant Podcast. This is an interview with David Henry Hwang. We do this in celebration of the restaging of his musical Soft Power, now playing at Signature Theatre.

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In this captivating episode of the SLANT podcast, join Dana Tai Soon Burgess as he sits down with dancer and educator, danah bella. As the founding chair of the Dance Department at the Peabody Conservatory, bella has transformed the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance program with a focus on interdisciplinary studies and social justice. Her impressive career spans over two decades, featuring roles as an artist-in-residence, award-winning choreographer, and artistic director of d a n a h b e l l a DanceWorks.

bella shares her journey from her early days learning dance and history to her current work in reclaiming evocative movement as social practice and her connection to her Filipino Heritage. Learn about her unique approach to dance education and her creative practice to break disciplinary boundaries through sound and movement.

Additionally, Bella discusses how her Filipino heritage influences her work and shapes all aspects of her life including her perspective on dance and education. She reflects on the cultural narratives that inform her choreography and the ways in which she incorporates her cultural identity into her teaching.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion on the power of dance to foster social change, the importance of interdisciplinary learning, and bella's vision for the future of dance education.

danah bella's photo by Salvador Barajas

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In this episode of Slant podcast, host Dana Tai Soon Burgess delves into the world of transnational art with Genie Ghim, a fine artist and expatriate from Washington, D.C. Genie's journey from Seoul, Korea, to various regions around the globe has deeply influenced her artistic practice, which spans contemporary screen prints, paintings, sculptures, and laser-cut plexiglass. Join us as we explore how Genie's transnational experiences inform her work and enrich her understanding of regional art history, shedding light on the interconnectedness of art and cultural landscapes across borders.

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In this episode of SLANT Podcast, host Dana Tai Soon Burgess sits down with the dynamic Wilma B. Consul for an insightful conversation that spans journalism, culinary arts, education, and culture.

Wilma's journey from Manila to San Francisco, her impactful work in radio production, and her commitment to community engagement shed light on the power of storytelling and advocacy. From her experiences reporting on HIV-AIDS in the Asian American community, her experiences in theater, and in her role as a caregiver, Wilma shares her empathy and dedication to making a difference in the world.

As they delve into Wilma's career at NPR and her deep dive into gastronomy in Italy, they frame the understanding of the intersections between creativity, culture, and life.

Tune in to discover the stories behind Wilma's remarkable journey and the insights she shares on the importance of storytelling, food, and education in shaping our understanding of the world around us.

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Join host Dana Tai Soon Burgess in an enchanting conversation as he welcomes the dynamic father-daughter duo, Jon Jon and Isa Briones, to the SLANT podcast stage. Fresh off their enthralling performances in the Tony-award winning Broadway musical Hadestown, Jon Jon and Isa share insights into their acting journey.

Jon Jon Briones, known for his captivating performances in Miss Saigon and Netflix's "Ratched," steps into the role of 'Hermes' with undeniable charisma. His illustrious career spans stage, screen, and television, captivating audiences worldwide with his versatility and talent.

Isa Briones, making her Broadway debut as 'Eurydice,' brings a wealth of experience from her roles in "Star Trek: Picard" and the Disney+ series "Goosebumps." With a rich pedigree in the performing arts, Isa's star continues to rise as she takes on new challenges and delights audiences with her remarkable presence on stage.

Join us as we delve into the Briones family's legacy in the arts, their experiences in Hadestown, and the magic that happens when talent spans generations. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

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In the next episode of SLANT podcast, host Dana Tai Soon Burgess engages in a compelling conversation with Luyen Chou, an education technology entrepreneur, and consultant, who shares insights into the remarkable legacy of his father, the visionary composer Chou Wen-chung. From pioneering electronic music to fostering cultural exchange between the US and China, Chou Wen-chung's life beautifully illustrates the power of music to bridge cultures and enrich lives. Join us as we explore the profound impact of Chou Wen-chung's work and his enduring influence on contemporary music and cultural diplomacy.