Statement against anti-Asian violence and racism

March 29, 2021 -

Tomorrow marks two weeks since the massacre in Atlanta (March 16th, 2021). The members of Wingspace Theatrical Design condemn this gendered racist violence and the targeting of the AAPI community during the pandemic. This current wave of racism is one moment in a long history of violence targeting Asians. Asian women and femmes have been particularly vulnerable to the violences of US immigration, empire, and militarism that uphold white supremacy. The theatre has perpetuated the figure of the Asian migrant sex worker, the fantasy of her disposability, and the spectacle of her death. As theatremakers who come together across identities and disciplines with a common mission, we will not be complicit in perpetuating a system that divides us and threatens our community.

This statement should have come sooner.

Our silence, which is linked to how Asians in the U.S. are racialized as unassimilable foreigners and model minorities, directly harms the AAPI community, both inside and outside of Wingspace. We are beyond grateful to those who continually hold us accountable, especially Wingspace member Mel Ng, for calling us in. This labor is a gift, an opportunity to practice our values. We will continue this work as an organization, adjust when we mess up, make space for reflection and action, prioritize caring for our community, and celebrate those who lead by example. 

Wingspace would also like to amplify the continued leadership and advocacy of the Consortium of Asian American Theaters and Artists (CAATA). You can find additional resources in our Community Anti-Racist Resource Bank.

Image by: Kate Freer and Betty Chen
[Image Description: A collage of photographs taken at the AAPI Rally Against Hate in Chinatown, NYC on March 21st, 2021. Asian demonstrators wearing masks hold signs that read “Say NO to Racism END the Violence #STOPASIANHATE” and “It was not a bad day it’s a hate crime” and “United in the fight against racism and injustice” and “We are NOT YOUR Virus Sex Object Model Minority. We are HUMAN” and “White Supremacy is and AMERICAN VIRUS.” The signs are in color. The figures are black and white, surrounded by white flowers and green leaves]