The Two Kids That Blow Shit Up
Theatre Diaspora presents Carla Ching’s hilarious and heartbreaking two-hander, The Two Kids That Blow Shit Up this summer, June 26 to July 5 at Artists Repertory Theatre!
Diana and Max meet at 9 years old, the day their parents start having an affair. In the ensuing decades, they see each other through highs and lows, trying not to make the same mistakes their parents did. A play about not trying to fall in love with your best friend so you end up hating them.
Directed by Lava Alapai and starring Mac Schonher and Barbie Wu, this is not to be missed! The show runs for two weekends only, so book your tickets before they sell out!
Re-Rite
a Collaboration with Portland Revels
When three artists work to navigate love and family expectations, they must ask whether renewal comes from preservation – or from daring to remake tradition together.
Re-Rite, a collaboration with Theatre Diaspora, is an original Asian-American musical that reimagines South and Southeast Asian traditional dance music through contemporary, beat-driven songs, and storytelling with movement, a live choir, and a celebration of community.
Directed by Jhus Custodio & Oliver Evangelista
Co-Written by Oliver Evangelista & Jhus Custodio
Music Director: Daye Thomas
APR 24-26: Ellyn Bye Studio at Portland Center Stage
MAY 9: 7:30pm APANO (Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon)
MAY 16: 4:00pm Filipino Bayanihan Center
AANHPI Writing Cohort with Profile Theatre
In January 2026, we will be working with Profile Theatre to create a new Community Profile cohort serving Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community members. The cohort will have the opportunity to engage in community building sessions, writing workshops, theatre outings, artist happy hours, public readings, and more. Mentors include Mike Lew, Mia Chung, Hansol Jung, Lisa Sanaye Dring, A. Rey Pamatmat, Carla Ching, and more.
Community Profile runs through June, 2027. Participants are invited to come to as many or as few sessions as fit their schedule – no commitment necessary!
Apply to be a Board Member!
Theatre Diaspora is expanding our Board of Directors! Help envision, inspire, and support our mission by applying today.
To apply, send your cover letter and resume to info@theatrediaspora.org.
Questions? Reach out to our Board President, Kate Duffly (kate@theatrediaspora.org).
Celebrating the AANHPI Experience
Theatre Diaspora is Oregon’s only professional Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) theatre company, committed to portraying authentic AAPI cultural, historical, and social perspectives to reach broad audiences. By strongly advocating through compelling performances and post-show discussions, we are bridging communities to foster inclusion, social-awareness, and open conversations on race and cultural diversity – celebrating the AAPI experience.
Staged Readings and Panel Discussions
Theatre Diaspora takes pride in its commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and education through the creation of enhanced staged readings followed by engaging panel discussions. Beyond mere performances, our enhanced staged readings serve as immersive experiences, where the audience is captivated by the power of storytelling. Following each reading, we transition into thought-provoking panel discussions. These discussions serve as a bridge between the narratives presented on stage and the real-world issues they illuminate. Our aim is not only to entertain but to initiate conversations that spark awareness, understanding, and empathy.
Writers Lab
Welcome to our AANHPI Writers Lab, a dynamic space where creativity flourishes and connections thrive. Within this unique environment, participants embark on a literary journey, crafting stories that resonate with the diverse tapestry of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander experience. Think of it as an adult study hall for writers, a shared haven for inspiration and focus. Collective creativity fills the air as writers delve into their narratives, fueled by the supportive energy of fellow creators. It’s more than a workspace; it’s a community, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and the exploration of distinct AAPI voices. Join us in this nurturing environment, where ideas come to life, and the power of storytelling is celebrated in every corner of our all AAPI Writers Lab.
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Theatre Diaspora is made possible with generous support from:
Ronni Lacroute
Eric Wan and Michele Goodman Fund
Fred W. Fields Fund of Oregon Community Foundation
Daryl L. and Patricia L. Swenson Fund
First Interstate Bank and Foundation