Blasians and One World

Blasian Night chapbook launch with Julian Hines and Judie N. Keys
at WATT MUNISOTARAM (Cambodian Buddhist Temple)

Earlier this month, I was blessed enough to be a guest artist for the chapbook releases of two emerging writers: my mentee Julian Hines, and my friend Judie N. Keys. It was held at the Cambodian Temple in Hampton, Minnesota. The show started out with traditional Cambodian dancers and then a showcase by Julian, who dedicated his dance piece to his grandmother.

The guest artists that got the night started were: Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay, Jimi Warnick, Esteban Isaola, Ellemaj Faulkner, Celeste Larson, & hosted by award-winning writer May Lee-Yang.

There were also some amazing prizes! Like free Subway sandwich vouchers, jewelry, a copy of my chapbook No Regrets, scented candles, Jamaican flags, Cambodian flags, and so many others that I wasn't able to take a peek at. Make sure to grab a copy of Julian's chapbook, "I Remember...Clearly" and Judie's chapbook, "The Good Life." Google them!

photography by Alex Nok Phasy

MADNESS at The Playwrights' Center
In late March, The Unit Collective held another Madness event. I was the producing playwright and had a hell of a time doing it too. Not only did I came up with the theme, "Against the Grain," I also had to do the casting of actors for each script, finding directors, promotion, and food! It was a dope ass night, packed house, with music selection made by DJ Kool Akiem (MF Doom, Micranots, Rhymesayers).

Our special guest was Sha Cage, the founder and artistic director for the Minnesota Spoken Word Association. I consider Sha to be one of my mentors, someone that really took me under their wings and inspired me to be the best spoken word poet that I could be. About four years ago, I volunteered with MNSWA, acting as a youth producer and mentor to young emerging spoken word poets. If Sha hadn't tapped me to be a part of her world, I wouldn't have learned as much about my craft, poetry, and speaking our truths no matter what the consequences may be.
"One World" was the title of my short play, about a one world government, nano bots, and the anti christ. Lets just say...it offended many people...for the wrong reasons. BUT...it also went well with a lot of people who shared my dystopian outlook.

Actors Julian Hines and Clarence Wethern