"Dragonball Evolution" screening with Director James Wong - April 6

SOLD OUT * SOLD OUT * SOLD OUT * SOLD OUT * SOLD OUT * SOLD OUT At the beginning of this year I was elected co-chair of the Asian American Committee at the Directors Guild of America (DGA).  I will be serving a two-year term, with co-chairs, Ron Dempsey and Babu Subramaniam.  Our first big event will be happening early next month: A special pre-release screening of "Dragonball Evolution" followed by Q&A with director James W...Read more

NOW CASTING: SEEKING 'BRUCE LEE' FOR BROADWAY MUSICAL - L.A. auditions March 19

"BRUCE LEE: JOURNEY TO THE WEST" Elephant Eye Theatrical and Broadway Asia will produce this new musical for the 2010-2011 Broadway season.

Music and lyrics by David Yazbek,

Book by David Henry Hwang,

Directed by Bartlett Sher

Casting by Tara Rubin Casting

follows the martial arts legend's difficult road to success, as he's guided by a powerful ally: The Monkey King, a beloved and playful warrior god from Chinese ...Read more

"Visas and Virtue" Screening in Mumbai

                                I am honored that my Academy Award-winning short film, "Visas and Virtue" has been selected to screen in Mumbai, India, at the 

7Islands International Film Festival, on Closing Night, January 30, 2009.  

The 7Islands, in its 4th Edition, has a mission of Non-Violent ...Read more

Passing of Mrs. Yukiko Sugihara

As many of you know, perhaps my biggest claim to fame is my 1998 Oscar win for my short film, , inspired by the true story of Holocaust rescuer Chiune "Sempo" Sugihara and his wife, Yukiko.  Chiune passed away in 1986, but I had the privilege of meeting Mrs. Sugihara in 1998 when former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan hosted a reception honoring her at the Mayor's residence in Hancock Park. She was the most elegant, gracious lady, with the kindest eyes, and having known, studied and worked so diligently at hon...Read more

Profile on Playwright DAN KWONG (and myself) on "Be Like Water"

StartFragment

EndFragmentGhost of Bruce Lee Appears in Dan Kwong's "Be Like Water"

By Soji Kashiwagi

Over 35 years ago, solo performance artist Dan Kwong remembers the moment martial arts legend Bruce Lee entered his life, and changed him forever.

It was 1972 at the historic Biograph movie theater in Chicago.  Bruce Lee's "Fist of Fury" was on the big screen and Kwong, a 20-something Asian American male who grew up in the 1960...Read more

"Be Like Water" World Premiere at East West Players Sept. 17, 2008

Sorry for not having blogged in awhile, but I've been very busy rehearsing our new show. It has been a true delight! I cannot say enough about our brilliant cast, who have their hands full with everything that is being asked of them for this production. But, they are truly talented and dedicated beyond my wishes, so I can only be thankful to be working with them all. It is going to be a great show! Come check it out if you are in Los Angeles this month, thru Oct. 12. Thanks!

"Be Like Water" - Casting the World Premiere at EWP

East West Players (EWP), the Los Angeles-based Asian American theatre company, recently announced their 43rd Season, which will open this fall with a show I am directing, "Be Like Water," written by my good friend, award-winning performance artist, Dan Kwong.

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Wrap-up on Rodney's benefit at East West Players

Last Friday, my theatre company, Cedar Grove OnStage threw a party... and it was a smash-hit. It certainly helps when you throw a party, to have a hugely popular guest of honor. And, for it to be for a worthy cause.

As I stated in my brief words before the show, my personal thanks go to friend Soji Kashiwagi, for bringing Rodney's plight to my attention and to the community's attention, and for helping to bring them to ...Read more

EWP Benefit Performance of "PIPPIN" for Rodney Kageyama

I'm happy to report that my friend, veteran actor and community volunteer, Rodney Kageyama, is cancer free!  He has so far survived his recent battle with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and is recuperating from all the chemo, with the help of many letters of support (and checks!), sent to him thanks to an extensive online campaign (thank you everyone who pitched in!).  But, his battle is not over, and in an effort to bring him more good cheer and financial support, my theatre company, Cedar...Read more

Note to Friends of Rodney Kageyama

I received the following note from Soji Kashiwagi, who has been spearheading the group effort to lend assistance to our friend, actor Rodney Kageyama.  Thanks to all who responded to my earlier post, those who have given, and to those who have sent well-wishes. Keep the gifts coming!

Help Rodney fight Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Please make your check payable to FRIENDS OF RODNEY KAGEYAMA, and mail to:

Rodney Kageyama

4891 Round Top Drive

Los Angeles, CA  90065

Many Thanks,