Message from ssaito

[Anonymous]

With the recent passing of Mako, the Asian-American community has lost an irreplaceable leader among the rising artistic voices of contemporary American. I when I was in high school back in the late 80's, many Asian-Americans seemed so distant from American theater. I think for some, theater was for the older immigrant generations, with their Chinese operas and Japanese Kabuki theater. For an Asian-American student aspiring to attend an acting school was a rare event, and even a rare discussion of possibility among dinner tables at their homes. But I think similar to the reactions to Blaxploitation movies and how African-American artists sought their own path to their visions, Asian-Americans did the same in the late 80's and 90's. For some of you, remember how "Boyz in the Hood" changed perceptions about "ethic" filmmakers. Just like Jackie Robinson in baseball, although perhaps for a smaller community for some, Mako created the first step in colorblind art for some Asian-Am artists. If you look beyond the race of the performer/creator, them people should see the true commonalities in life, not trivial differences. Emotion expressed in a play is no different than any other forms of expression. The artistic living life you create, permanently on the silver screen/TV, is to be seen and perhaps judged countless generations that follow... It is with this understanding that key figures in history demonstrate 'silent fortitude' that create the backbone for future generations. I can't say one film work stands out of Mako-san's performances. Although as a youth, I did enjoy his action-film role in Conan the Barbarian series.

I think the great thing about freedom of art in this country is that we have a bounce back effect on the art of the world. I see art on the continent of Asia becoming bolder and expressive in non-traditional ways. For example, if the Canadian Cirque de Soleil could continually expand and do for stage shows that generate revenue to the awes of many, then imagine a Chinese acrobat/martial arts type show recreated for American tastes. Can you imagine a play such as "Hair" playing live in conservative China, Japan, or Muslim SEAsia?!?... You can't attribute all the progress in society and art to one person. But it is when you can't see the hard work done by that one person, and we revel in the fruits of their work, then we truly live in a society where art can transcend cultural baggage and superficial judgment.

LA TIMES article by DHWang[Edit by="ssaito on Jul 29, 4:20:47 PM"][/Edit]