18 Asian-NZ artists from a range of disciplines reflect on how life in Aotearoa informs their work and sense of identity.
1Sarita So: A Cambodian Story Sarita So is a first-generation New Zealander born in Cambodia. She is an actor, writer, producer and co-founder of the Company I Ken So Productions with partner Ui Natano Keni. In her 2021 solo show Digging to Cambodia at Auckland's Basement Theatre, Sarita explored her parent's memories of living through the Khmer Rouge through her own lens as a first-generation New Zealander.
2Ahi Karunaharan: Freedom of Thought Arts Laureate Ahi Karunaharan brings with him a vision for exciting and culturally diverse new work. Fleeing war and civil strife in his birth country of Sri Lanka, Aria came to New Zealand in the 1990s and continues to carry his Tamil identity proudly.
3Sananda Chatterjee: Theatre for the People Sananda Chatterjee is a multi-disciplinary artist of Bengali (Indian) origin now based in Tāmaki Makaurau. From her large ensemble works for Prayas Theatre (Aotearoa's leading South Asian theatre company) to independent and intimate works that interrogate and examine identity, gender and relationships from an intersectional feminist lens, Sananda's creative practice has seen her present works across various arts festivals, venues and production companies over the last 10 years.