Guide to the Refugee Nation videorecordings and promotional materials
MS.SEA.038
Finding aid prepared by Joanna Lamb
Special Collections and Archives, University of California, Irvine Libraries
The UCI Libraries
P.O. Box 19557
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, California, 92623-9557
949-824-3947
spcoll@uci.edu
© 2011
Title:
Refugee Nation videorecordings and promotional materials
Identifier/Call Number: MS.SEA.038
Contributing Institution:
Special Collections and Archives, University of California, Irvine Libraries
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
0.2 Linear feet
(1 box)
Date (inclusive): circa 2007-2009
Abstract: This collection comprises 4 video recordings of
Refugee Nation, a national theater project that explores the Laotian refugee experience.
creator:
Chan, Leilani
creator:
Refugee Nation (Theatrical performance).
creator:
Saopeng, Ova
creator:
TeAda Productions.
Access
The collection is open for research.
Publication Rights
Property rights reside with the University of California. Literary rights and copyrights are retained by the creators of the
records and their heirs. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives.
Preferred Citation
Refugee Nation Performance Videorecordings and Promotional Materials. MS-SEA038. Special Collections and Archives, The UC
Irvine Libraries, Irvine, California. Date accessed.
For the benefit of current and future researchers, please cite any additional information about sources consulted in this
collection, including permanent URLs, item or folder descriptions, and box/folder locations.
Acquisition Information
Gift of Ova Saopeng, 2010.
Processing History
Processed by Joanna Lamb, 2010.
Historical Background
Refugee Nation is a two-person theatrical performance written and performed Leilani Chan and Ova Saopeng that explores topics
related to Laotian refugee experiences in the United States including assimilation, generational differences, and mental health
concerns. Using drama, film, music, and audience interaction, the performance examines the universal themes of change, loss,
struggle, healing, and strength of the human spirit by highlighting the young Laos generation's struggle to understand their
history.
Ova Saopeng is an actor and writer from Los Angeles. He was born in Savannahket, Laos and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. He received
his B.A. in Theater from the University of Southern California and has worked nationally with many theater companies. Saopeng
is currently a roster artist with TeAda Productions, a theatrical troupe led by founding artistic director Leilani Chan, who
is also his wife. TeAda is a company dedicated to supporting artists of color in the creation of innovative theatrical performances
that empower under-served communities.
During the Vietnam War many Laotian families were involved in covert military operations aiding the United States. After the
war, families that supported the U.S. were forced to emigrate from their native communities to U.S. soil. Since 1973 more
than 240,000 Laotian refugees have settled in the U.S. with the bulk of the population, over 40 percent, settling in California.
Collection Scope and Content Summary
Refugee Nation is a national theatre project written and performed by Leilani Chan and Ova Saopeng, based on the stories of Laotian refugees
and their descendants living in the United States. This collection includes video recordings (4 DVDs) of
Refugee Nation performances and interviews, programs, advertisements, clippings, and brochures.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Laotians -- California-- Archives
Political refugees -- Laos -- Archives
Political refugees -- Laos -- Narratives
Refugees -- California -- Archives
Southeast Asian Americans -- California -- Archives
Theater -- United States -- History -- Sources
Theater programs.
Video art -- California -- 21st century
Video recordings -- 21st century
Box 1, Folder 2
Programs and promotional materials,
2007-2009 and undated
Box 1, Folder 3
Videorecordings,
2006-2009 and undated
South East Asian Collective,
undated
Box 1, Folder 4, Item D001-A
Archival original,
undated
General Physical Description note: 1 videodisc (DVD)
Access
Access to archival original is restricted; researchers must use viewing copy.
Box 1, Folder 3, Item D001-U
Viewing copy,
undated
General Physical Description note: 1 videodisc (DVD)
Refugee Nation at Berkeley, CA,
undated
Box 1, Folder 4, Item D002-A
Archival original,
undated
General Physical Description note: 1 videodisc (DVD),(90 minute version)
Access
Access to archival original is restricted; researchers must use viewing copy.
Box 1, Folder 3, Item D002-U
Viewing copy,
undated
General Physical Description note: 1 videodisk (DVD)
Refugee Nation: NATTF,
2006
Box 1, Folder 4, Item D003-A
Archival original,
2006
General Physical Description note: 1 videodisc (DVD)
Access
Access to archival original is restricted; researchers must use viewing copy.
Box 1, Folder 3, Item D003-U
Viewing copy,
2006
General Physical Description note: 1 videodisc (DVD)
Refugee Nation: San Diego,
2009 April
Box 1, Folder 4, Item D004-A
Archival original,
2009 April
General Physical Description note: 1 videodisc (DVD)
Access
Access to archival original is restricted; researchers must use viewing copy.
Box 1, Folder 3, Item D004-U
Viewing copy,
2009 April
General Physical Description note: 1 videodisc (DVD)
