Interviews with a4's 28th Anniversary Honorees

If Not You, Who Would You Be? Our Defining Moments 2010 Gala Honorees Answer

Tisa Chang, Artistic Producing Director, Pan Asian Repertory Theatre

Where were you born?
Chongching, China

How long have you been in New York?
Since I was a child

If not yourself, who would you be?
Audrey Hepburn as James Bond

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Canoeing on still waters surrounded by waterfalls and lush greenery

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Leading Pan Asian Repertory Theatre for 33 years

What is your motto?
Jing wo, ying wo, bu ru zi tze de gao wo (Golden throne, silver cradle, nothing compares to one's own humble nest)

What are you looking forward to at the Asian American Arts Alliance November 3 gala?
I look forward to a4 raising a million dollars to serve the Asian American arts community!

Get tickets to the Gala now!

______________________________________________
Mana Hashimoto - Dancer & Choreographer

Where were you born?
In Tokyo, Japan

How long have you been in New York?
Since 1998

If not yourself, who would you be?
I keep dreaming about the Greek ocean and Greek statues, so maybe a Greek god.

Who are your heroes in real life?
The French actress, Jeanne Moreau, and all the people who survive life in New York City!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Writing and getting a grant to teach dance to blind and disabled students and seeing how much they enjoy it

What is your most treasured possession?
My daughter Loi

What are you looking forward to at the Asian American Arts Alliance November 3 gala?
Some great food and red wine! And maybe champagne?
______________________________________________
Jeffrey Ng (aka jeffstaple), Founder and Creative Director, Staple Design

Where were you born?
Middlesex, New Jersey

How long have you been in New York?
19 years

If not yourself, who would you be?
A martyr

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Living everyday like it is your last (because it is)

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
It hasn't happened yet

What is your motto?
Do. Or don't do. There is no try

What are you looking forward to at the Asian American Arts Alliance November 3 gala?
Making my mom proud

______________________________________________
Shen Wei, Artistic Director, Shen Wei Dance Arts

Where were you born?
Hunan, China

How long have you been in New York?
Since 1995

If not yourself, who would you be?
A gardener and the combination of Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh and Henri Matisse

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
When you can balance your self...

What is your motto?
When you make a new creation or new work, think of it as producing a new baby...

What are you looking forward to at the Asian American Arts Alliance November 3 gala?
I am looking forward to relaxing and having a fun evening

Get tickets to the Gala now!