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Guide to the Refugee Nation videorecordings and promotional materials
MS.SEA.038
MS.SEA.038
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Table of contents
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.
The collection is open for research.
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.
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.
Gift of Ova Saopeng, 2010.
Processed by Joanna Lamb, 2010.
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