UCLA Asian Studies Faculty in the News -- January 2006

UCLA's Center for Intercultural Performance brings artists from Asia and elsewhere together to share ideas and to collectively create dance and musical works. Headed by World Arts and Cultures professor Judy Mitoma, this Asian Pacific Performance Exchange (APPEX) project has influenced dozens of creators and through them audiences all over the world. An example of this is the work of Monica Favand, director of Trip Dance Theatre. She and guitarist-collaborator Charlie Campagna traveled to Bali as APPEX fellows in 2004. The experience profoundly-influenced Trip Dance's new "Breath and Bone" show.

Victoria Looseleaf wrote about Favand and Trip Dance in the Los Angeles Times (Jan. 1), quoting Prof. Mitoma on Trip Dance. "I admire their long-term commitment. It's not about flash, it's not about the next big show with them, it's about consistency and building. They have great integrity combined with this open, creative spirit. There is an adventuresome quality that made them valuable players in the program."

On January 27, both Korea Times and Korea Central Daily ran stories about the $1 million gift from Mr. and Mrs. Dong Soon Im to the UCLA Center for Korean Studies to create the Dong Soon Im and Mi Ja Im Chair in Korean Christianity.