Chinese Theater Students Arrive on Vashon Island

Cultural Exchange Program Brings Chinese Teen Theater Makers to Vashon Island

In a significant cultural exchange initiative, three Chinese teenagers passionate about theater are set to contribute their talents to the Vashon Repertory Theatre this summer. Kingsley and Derek Du, along with Jerry Wang, all high school students from Shanghai, will bring their theatrical expertise to revitalizing Vashon Rep’s production of “Oscar’s Journey,” which will be staged in collaboration with the Vashon Park District on August 17.

The trio arrived on Vashon Island as part of a program facilitated by the Shanghai-based Sunrise Group. This organization specializes in giving young Chinese artists opportunities to travel to the United States, allowing them to further their artistic education and engage with diverse cultural practices. Their accompanying mothers will join the students during their stay, providing support and a familial connection in this new environment.

Michael Shi, co-founder of the Sunrise Group, reached out to Vashon Rep’s producing artistic director, Charlotte Tiencken, to propose the collaboration. Tiencken immediately recognized the value of such an initiative and welcomed the students with enthusiasm. “We couldn’t be more delighted to have these talented young people sharing our summer stages,” she stated. “We expect our local theater practitioners, young and not, to build strong connections with Chinese theater through the relationships that will grow from this program.”

Jerry Wang, who studies at YK Pao School in Shanghai, is particularly excited about the experience. With seven years of musical theater training under his belt, Wang looks forward to performing in a local teen musical theater camp production of “Next To Normal,” which runs from August 7-17 at the Grange Hall on Vashon’s north end. He expressed eagerness not only to perform but also to explore storytelling through the lens of local culture and natural surroundings, seeking to gain firsthand experience of American theater practices.

Kingsley Du, the eldest of the interns and a high school senior, will serve as the stage manager for “Oscar’s Journey.” His previous experiences include working on several off-Broadway productions, making this opportunity a new chapter in his theater journey. “Vashon Island has a very artistic and tight-knit community, as well as being a peaceful location right next to Seattle,” Du noted, appreciating the unique environment that Vashon provides for artistic expression.

The youngest member of the group, Derek Du, a freshman in high school, is set to perform a pivotal role in the largely reimagined rendition of “Oscar’s Journey.” With aspirations of absorbing as much theatrical knowledge as possible during his time on the island, Derek reflects a common yearning among artists for growth and development in their craft.

The revival of “Oscar’s Journey,” subtitled “The Fall and Rise of the Bird King,” marks a significant event on Vashon’s cultural calendar, promising to showcase not only the talents of the visiting students but also the collaborative spirit of the local artistic community. The performance will take place outdoors at Ober Park, offering a unique setting that complements the themes of the production.

For those interested in learning more about Vashon Rep’s summer programming or the Sunrise Group, visit PLACEHOLDER7036f5025b4418c2 and PLACEHOLDER0d2b8794a6430d0c. This cultural exchange exemplifies the powerful connections that can be forged through the arts, fostering understanding and collaboration across borders.