Jaime Sunwoo, Specially Processed American Me. Photo: Mari Uchida
In this BRIClab residency presentation, an excerpt from Jaime Sunwoo's Specially Processed American Me will be shared, so that audiences can get a preview of the show and provide feedback in preparation for the play's world premiere in 2022, which will be co-produced by Ping Chong and Company.
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Jaime Sunwoo, Specially Processed American Me. Photo: Courtesy of the artist
Specially Processed American Me is a surreal autobiographical performance using SPAM, the canned meat, as a portal into Jaime Sunwoo's Asian American upbringing and her family's experiences of the Korean War. It investigates SPAM's legacy in the military, its significance in the Asia-Pacific, and its influence on Asian cuisine through music, shadowplay, and cooking. Oscillating wildly between absurd humor and sober tragedy, Specially Processed American Me is a thought-provoking exploration of one of America's most misunderstood foods. More at speciallyprocessed.com ; IG/FB @speciallyprocessed
Specially Processed American Me was developed through FailSafe, Leviathan Lab, BAX Upstart Program, Barn Arts Residency, and the HB Studio Rehearsal Space Residency, with support from the Queens Council on the Arts' Artist Commissioning Program, Ms. Foundation for Women in association with Asian Women Giving Circle, the NYC Women's Fund for Media, Music and Theatre by the City of New York Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment in association with The New York Foundation for the Arts, Brooklyn Arts Fund, and The Jim Henson Foundation.
Ping Chong and Company (PCC) creates theater and art that reveal beauty, invention, precision, and a commitment to social justice. Ping Chong and Company is grateful to receive support for Specially Processed American Me from the New York State Council on the Arts, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, The Asian Arts Initiative and National AAPI Coalition supported by The Ford Foundation, and The Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art. For more, visit www.pingchong.org / @pingchongco
ABOUT THE ARTIST
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Photo: Zach Bell
Jaime Sunwoo (she/her/hers) is a Korean American multidisciplinary artist from Brooklyn, New York working in visual art, theater, film, and public art. Her works connect personal narratives to global histories through surreal storytelling. She studied art at Yale University, and was a fellow for Ping Chong + Company and The Laundromat Project. Her work has been seen at Park Avenue Armory, Abrons Art Center, BAX, JACK, The Tank, Flux Factory, and Art in Odd Places. She has received awards from Queens Council on the Arts, Asian Women Giving Circle, NYC Women's Fund, Brooklyn Arts Fund, and The Jim Henson Foundation for her project Specially Processed American Me, a performance on the significance of SPAM in the Asian American community. More at jaimesunwoo.com and @jaimesunwoo
ABOUT BRICLAB
BRIClab is a multi-disciplinary residency program created to advance opportunities for visual artists, performers, and media makers. BRIClab offers emerging and mid-career artists essential resources, mentorships, and opportunities to share their work. The residency aims to build a stronger and more diverse artistic community in Brooklyn by supporting long term growth and fostering relationships across disciplines.
The program's four tracks are Contemporary Art, Film + TV, Performing Arts, and Video Art. Each track offers unique resources designed to meet the needs of varied artistic practices. Residents receive additional financial support, mentorship, skills-based learning opportunities, and documentation of their work. In-process public programs for the 2021/2022 cohort will take place from September 2021 through April 2022
COVID Protocol
In accordance with the Key to NYC mandate, attendees of any BRIC House programming must show proof of vaccination for entry in addition to a photo ID that matches vaccination record. While BRIC remains committed to creating open and accessible visual art experiences for all of New York City, we must also ensure the safety of our staff, our audiences and the communities that we serve. If you have questions regarding this protocol, please email Safety@bricartsmedia.org. For our full BRIC House vaccination policy, visit: https://www.bricartsmedia.org/safety.
Venue Information:
BRIC House is Brooklyn’s cultural living room: a 40,000 square foot multi-disciplinary arts and media complex in the former Strand Theatre, where emerging and established artists can create work that deepens their practice and engages the diverse communities of the borough.
Beginning Nov. 1, 2022, attendees of any BRIC House programming will no longer have to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter the building. Masks are encouraged but not required in all BRIC operated spaces. If you have questions regarding this protocol, please email Safety@bricartsmedia.org
BRIC is committed to welcoming people of all abilities. The main floor of BRIC House has an accessible entrance on Rockwell Place, in addition to an accessible, all-gender bathroom. The BRIC Media Center, located on the 2nd floor, is accessible via elevator. The Gallery level is accessible via a wheelchair lift. Portable FM assistive listening devices are available for programs on the Stoop and in the Ballroom upon request. To make a specific access request, or to let us know other ways we can provide you with a welcoming experience, please contact Benno Orlinsky at borlinsky@bricartsmedia.org or (718) 683-5637.