Refugee Nation videorecordings and promotional materials, circa 2007-2009

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Summary

Title:
Refugee Nation videorecordings and promotional materials
Dates:
circa 2007-2009
Creators:
Chan, Leilani, Refugee Nation (Theatrical performance)., Saopeng, Ova, and TeAda Productions.
Abstract:
This collection comprises 4 video recordings of Refugee Nation, a national theater project that explores the Laotian refugee experience.
Extent:
0.2 Linear feet (1 box)
Language:
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.

Background

Scope and content:

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.

Biographical / historical:

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.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Ova Saopeng, 2010.
Processing information:

Processed by Joanna Lamb, 2010.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid prepared by Joanna Lamb
Date Prepared:
© 2011
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2011-07-29T14:30-0700

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

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.

Location of this collection:
Southeast Asian Archive
The UCI Libraries, P.O. Box 19557
Irvine, CA 92623-9557, US
Contact:
(949) 824-3947
spcoll@uci.libanswers.com
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