Asians in Art

Perry Yung — Bruce Lee's Warriors, the Three Body Problem & Working with Soderbergh

In this episode we sit down with Perry Yung, a veteran actor, musician, and activist who embodies the essence of "Be water". The Oakland, California-native who grew up idolizing Bruce Lee, the martial artist renowned for his iconic quote, has navigated his career with remarkable flexibility and an open embrace of change. Originally destined for a career in modern dance after winning a scholarship to study at the esteemed Martha Graham Dance Company, Perry's curiosity for exploring diverse art forms led him to pivot towards acting. Perry's breakthrough came when he landed the role of opium den owner Ping Wu in Steven Soderbergh's critically acclaimed TV series, The Knick. This paved the way for other memorable roles, including Father Jun in Justin Lin's action-packed Warrior and Professor Ye Zhetai in the popular series Three-Body Problem, based on the sci-fi novel by Liu Cixin. Music also holds a significant place in Perry's artistic endeavors. As an accomplished craftsman of the Japanese flute, known as the shakuhachi, he not only performs it, but also lives it as a breathing mediation in motion. Despite his immense success, Perry remains dedicated to amplifying the voices of other Asian Americans through the SLANT Performance Group, which he co-founded in 1995.

One Stage, Many Worlds — Aya Ogawa on Motherhood, Translation and Making Theatre With Many Dimensions

Multi-award winning playwright, director, and translator, Aya Ogawa knows what it's like to live in many worlds and in between. Born in Tokyo and based in Brooklyn, their work centers women and non-binary perspectives and uses the stage as a space for exploring cultural identity and the immigrant experience. In this conversation, Aya opens up about the deeply personal journey behind their Obie Award-winning play The Nosebleed — and the profound emotion of bringing that story back to Tokyo. They talk candidly about motherhood as a glorious, chaotic shitshow, the inspiration behind their latest work Meat Suit, and what it truly means to translate — not just words, but entire worlds — from Japanese to English. Recipient of the 2025 Doris Duke Artist Award, the 2023 Helen Merrill Award for Playwriting, and the 2023 Obie Award for the conception, writing and direction of The Nosebleed, Aya Ogawa is one of the most energizing voices in US theatre today. Follow Aya at https://www.instagram.com/ayagwa/ [https://www.instagram.com/ayagwa/] Their next show and other works: https://www.ayaogawa.com/ [https://www.ayaogawa.com/]

Following the Groove — Wen-Ting Wu on Jazz and Drumming

Wen-Ting Wu is a drummer, composer, and educator from Taiwan, now at the heart of New York City's jazz scene. From the moment she felt the swing, she followed it — across genres, across oceans, and deep into the spiritual heart of the drum. She has performed at some of New York City's most iconic venues — including Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club, Smalls, Smoke, and at large festivals across the US and Taiwan. Wu’s diverse musical career also includes international tours with the indie-pop band Sunset Rollercoaster. She is a regular member of Frank Lacy's Septet & Classical Jazz Ensemble, and the AAPI Jazz Collective and has shared the stage with notable artists such as Ed Cherry, Mimi Jones, Charenee Wade, Helen Sung, and Lonnie Plaxico. For Wen-Ting, drumming is more than a career — it's something deeply spiritual. In this interview, she opens up about that profound connection to her craft, what it means to be a woman behind the kit in a male-dominated world, and what's next for one of jazz's most compelling drummers. Wen-Ting is part of a new generation of female jazz drummers stepping into the light — bringing not just extraordinary technique, but a depth of feeling and philosophy that is reshaping what it means to sit behind the kit. You can follow Wen-Ting at https://www.instagram.com/wentingating [https://www.instagram.com/wentingating] Subscribe to our Asians in Art's YouTube channel, Apple Podcast, Spotify or follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiashow/ [https://www.instagram.com/aiashow/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581717263443 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581717263443] Music: Justin Jen Video Editor: Szewah Chin Social Producer: Karuna Shinsho Producers: Szewah Chin, Karuna Shinsho Exec Producers: Szewah Chin, Karuna Shinsho

From Alaska to New York — Actor Ariel Estrada, Champion for Asian American Artists

Growing up Filipino American in rural Alaska, Ariel Estrada learned early that he existed at the edges. Raised in a strict Asian household, he carried those pressures with him when he set his sights on New York's acting scene, only to find new walls waiting: class barriers, industry gatekeeping. Searching for empowerment, he spent twenty years inside a brutal martial arts cult before finding his way out — and his way forward. Today, Ariel is an actor, theater maker, producer, and the founder of Leviathan Lab, an award-winning nonprofit creative studio dedicated to advancing Asian and Asian American performing artists. In this episode, Ariel talks about the journey that shaped him and the community he built because he needed it to exist. Learn more about Ariel at: https://www.arielestrada.com/ [https://www.arielestrada.com/] Follow Leviathan Lab for upcoming shows, events or how to support them: https://www.instagram.com/leviathanlab/ [https://www.instagram.com/leviathanlab/] Subscribe to Asians in Art YouTube channel, Apple Podcast, Spotify or follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiashow/ [https://www.instagram.com/aiashow/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581717263443 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581717263443] Music: Justin Jen Video Editor: Szewah Chin Social Producer: Karuna Shinsho Producers: Szewah Chin, Karuna Shinsho Exec Producers: Szewah Chin, Karuna Shinsho

Bonus: Tharanga on teaching, valuing her creativity and creative barriers

We couldn't fit everything into the main episode — so here's the bonus from the conversation where Tharanga Goonetilleke talks about her role as teacher, valuing her creativity and why issues should never have the final say on pushing artistic boundaries.