Art Hounds: A Karen epic returns, abstract art finds sound, flamenco marks a turning point
About this episode
Juanita Vang discusses the return of the Karen epic 'Muyehpen' to the stage and its significance in cultural storytelling.
From MPR News, Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what’s exciting in local art. Their recommendations are lightly edited from the audio heard in the player above. Want to be an Art Hound? Submit here . A classic story returns to the stage Juanita Vang is co-executive director at the Southeast Asian Diaspora (SEAD) Project in Minneapolis. She performed in the original production of Ehkhudah Zar’s play “Muyehpen” in 2023, and she’s excited that Exposed Brick is mounting a new, traveling production of the play. Written in English and billed as one of the first — if not the first — tellings of the classic Karen story in English, Muyehpen will be performed at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul this Friday at 7 p.m. and at the Paramount Theatre in Austin at 6 p.m. April 25. The theater notes that, while all ages are welcome, the play contains references to sexual assault. Ageless echoes: The Karen story of Muyehpen finds new lif Juanita says: I love seeing how oral traditions through the centuries are able to come to life and are able to be documented in a way where we can show the rest of the world. Now that it's…
People in this episode
Guest: Juanita Vang
Topics covered
- Karen story
- theater production
- abstract art
- local art
- cultural diversity
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Southeast Asian Diaspora (SEAD) Project
Books & works: Muyehpen
Places: Minnesota History Center, St. Paul, Paramount Theatre, Austin
More episodes of Art Hounds
- Art Hounds: City Mouse, gravediggers and songs about food
- Art Hounds: Puppet rock opera, sewing and poetry
- Art Hounds: A musical comedy, a science pioneer on stage and a legacy in quilt
- Art Hounds: Magic, memory and the mysteries of the sky
- Art Hounds: A strike story, a tragicomedy, and scenes from nature
- Art Hounds: A healing circus, a multiracial family story and expressive prints
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Art Hounds podcast page.