Event

Family Style Open Mic

From Sri Lankan poetry to Filipino hip-hop, Family Style features an eclectic mix of multi-disciplinary performance and storytelling geared toward promoting open dialogue and sharing of a diversity of cultural experiences. Each month's program is a riveting mix of invited performers and open mic spots open to community members of all backgrounds.

Paul Tran is an Asian American historian, activist and spoken word poet from Providence, Rhode Island. He is a senior at Brown University and a graduate of The Preuss School at the University of California, San Diego. With support from Kundiman, Coca-Cola, and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Paul's research and creative work investigates the complex relationships between race, empire and the production of knowledge. He is particularly interested in social movements, trauma, and the ghostliness of language.

Thu B. Tran (not related to Paul, as far as she knows) is a refugee from Vietnam, oldest of 6 siblings, lawyer for the people, mom of 3, former member of AAI board, leader of Girl Scouts, maker of mosaics, folder of origami, consumer of roasted seaweed, Shin Ramyun, and Wawa hoagies, who believes in human rights above property rights. In 2012, she debuted at AAI with her piece "Lost in Pronunciation", which has evolved into a series. Thu returns Feb 21 with her AAI premier of "Lost in Pronunciation: Part Thu."

Asaki Kuruma is a native of Japan, came to USA nine years ago to attend school and decided to immigrate. Asaki is an actor and a theater artist, worked in various theater companies and venues around the metro-Philly area including Allens Lane Theater and Society Hill Playhouse. Graduate of Temple University with B.A. in Theater/Acting. Proud member of Power Street Theater Company. Many thanks for AAI for this opportunity to meet the new artistic community. Much love for her family and friends for their support and inspiration.