Directing Projects

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Philly Asian Futures (PAF) was a community-engaged multi-disciplinary theatrical project that gathered together local Pan-Asian artists and elders to dream about our community’s future in Philadelphia...a theatrical presentation styled as a “Living Museum” at Asian Arts Initiative featuring eight installation-style performances that envisioned Philadelphia's future.  Through engaging with story circles with Pan-Asian Philly elders, PAF expands on the successes of the earlier project by using the artistic process as a bridge between these two community groups. Bi collaborated on and directed Alex Shaw's exploration of sound & tea ceremony in his piece, "Pearls of Our Dragon," Dan Kim in his futurist imagining of a post-apocalyptic Chinatown in his piece "Tracer," and Lex Thammavong in her time traveling quest "Southeast Asian Time Nomad."

Anon(ymous) by Naomi Iizuka, Princeton University Berlind Theater at McCarter Theater Center, 2024 Pics by Larry Levanti, Lewis Ctr for the Arts

Iizuka’s script embraces and offers ample scope for multiple forms: drama, modern dance, and performance art — in short, much of what live theater offers.  Bi Jean Ngo, director of the Lewis Center production (assisted by Matthew Cooperberg), takes full advantage of this; the polished staging makes use of often dazzling production values while ensuring that the performances are the primary focus...Ngo introduces choreography into this opening segment, letting it recur throughout the show. The actors are given movement that is flowing and expressive.
-Town Topics: Princeton's Community Newspaper,  Refugees in the U.S. Search for Family Members in “Anon(ymous)" By Donald H. Sanborn III

King of the Yees, 2023 Princeton University, Berlind Theater at McCarter Theater Ctr photo by Larry Levanti

Rehearsal process pic King of the Yees, 2023 Princeton University photo by Larry Levanti

King of the Yees, 2023 Princeton University at the Berlind Theater at McCarter Theater Center photo by Larry Levanti

Much Ado About Nothing, 2018 Delaware Shakespeare photo cred Alessandra Nicole

Midsummer Night's Dream, 2021 Delaware Shakespeare photo cred Alessandra Nicole

Much Ado About Nothing, 2018 Delaware Shakespeare photo cred Alessandra Nicole

Candles, 2020 Philly Young Playwrights at the Hamilton Family Center photo by Jana Williams

Candles, 2020 Philly Young Playwrights at the Hamilton Family Arts Center photo by Jana Williams

Candles, 2020 Philly Young Playwrights at the Hamilton Family Arts Center photo by Jana Williams