Susan Lieu recently stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director at Seattle’s Theatre Off Jackson (TOJ), adding a new chapter to her journey within the Asian performing arts community.
Her connection to TOJ began in June 2018 when she attended the theatre’s 20th Anniversary “Big Damn Birthday Party.”
That night, she experienced a captivating performance titled ‘A Night at the Forbidden City,’ which featured an array of Asian talents, including magician Nash Fung, dancer Moonyeka, and actress Sara Porkalob.
“I was struck by the talent onstage and felt an immediate longing to be part of this vibrant community,” Lieu recalled.
With a background in stand-up comedy from 2011 to 2012, Lieu took a hiatus after struggling through a particularly challenging heckling incident in 2013.
However, she returned to the spotlight in Seattle in 2017 with her one-woman show, initially titled ‘Dr. X: How I Avenged My Mother’s Death,’ which later evolved into ‘140 LBS: How Beauty Killed My Mother.’
Although Lieu received suggestions from friends to apply to TOJ’s co-producer program, she initially hesitated.
After finishing her solo performance, she revisited the idea and applied, only to find herself flabbergasted when she was selected as the highest-rated candidate based on the theatre’s values.
“I was completely shocked. I had minimal acting and producing experience, yet TOJ believed in me,” she noted.
In February 2019, her solo show premiered to a sold-out audience at TOJ, leading to another successful encore run in July.
“This opportunity helped me gather resources for a national tour that I wouldn’t have been able to achieve with other venues,” Lieu explained.
Throughout her journey, she progressed from co-producer to consultant, then board member, and ultimately Interim Executive Director.
Seattle is home to three notable theatre companies that focus on Asian American narratives: SIS Productions, Pork Filled Productions, and ReAct Theatre.
All of these companies have collaborated with TOJ over the years, with SIS and Pork Filled recently partnering for the production ‘Exotic Deadly: Or the MSG Play.’
Pork Filled Productions, a resident company at TOJ, has consistently contributed to the theatre’s mainstage works and community events, playing a crucial role in nurturing Asian American talent.
Lieu expressed pride in the relationships built with these companies, emphasizing their commitment to creating a nurturing environment for emerging talent.
Although the pandemic took a toll on productions from 2020 to 2022, Lieu has cherished several memorable TOJ shows.
She fondly recalled the unique experience of ‘Salon of Shame,’ where participants read from their high school diaries, finding humor in youthful naivety.
Additionally, she highlighted Scott Shoemaker’s ‘War on Christmas’ as a delightful, whimsical production, and praised ‘Vietgone’ by Pork Filled Productions as both heartfelt and powerful.
Events like ‘AAPI Community Night’ and ‘Talk It Up! Inspiring Asian Americans!’ have also inspired her, introducing her to a wealth of talent across various mediums in Seattle.
Looking ahead, Lieu is focused on ensuring TOJ’s financial stability.
The recent renovations to their Upstairs Project gallery space aim to create new revenue streams, helping the theatre navigate the challenges of operating as an arts and culture organization.
Plans are underway to offer their renovated office space of 644 square feet to another nonprofit, as well as promote daytime programming in the Upstairs gallery main hall.
Due to noise bleed issues between the upstairs and downstairs venues, TOJ has limited capacity for concurrent programming, but sees potential in activating the downstairs gallery during daytime hours.
“We are eager to explore partnerships that could help us utilize the upstairs gallery space effectively,” Lieu concluded, inviting collaborations that can enrich the theatre’s offerings.
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