Asian American Association sponsors variety show
Theater artist Rich Kiamco performed at the event Thursday night.
May 2, 2008
Asian American Association Social Chairman Dane Guevara, sophomore Justin Guevara and junior Nicole Guevara dance to songs by Michael Jackson, Usher and Chris Brown during the ‘Make a Move!’ Variety Show on Thursday night in Stotler Lounge. The annual variety show was part of Asian American Awareness Week.
As the 11th annual Asian American Awareness Week wound down Thursday night, the Asian American Association held its second "Make a Move!" Variety Show.
Stotler Lounge in Memorial Union was transformed into a theater, complete with a sound system, stage and special lighting.
"We use the variety show as a way to display a mixture of talents that break the stereotypes of Asians," said Kha Ly, the AAA vice president of internal affairs.
"Make a Move!" featured dance tributes to Michael Jackson, singers, pianists, guitarists, comic skits and a fashion show that showcased traditional outfits from countries including India and China.
Sophomore Meghan O'Hara said she came to watch a friend sing.
"I came to the show last year too," she said. "I think the event is very entertaining and eye-opening for me about different Asian cultures."
The dance crew OFFICIAL also performed at the variety show.
"OFFICIAL started a year and a half ago," said Ly, who was one of the crew's choreographers. "We are an Asian American hip-hop dance team at Mizzou. Since people usually don't associate Asians with hip-hop, it's cool to take off that label."
Solo theater artist Rich Kiamco took the stage after an intermission with cake and cookies.
"I call myself a queer performer," Kiamco said. "I mostly perform on college campuses for Asians, Filipinos, LGBTQ groups and groups against hate crimes."
Kiamco performed his autobiographical monologue that follows him from preschool to today.
"Once I came out at age 14, it gave me permission to find out what else is really true about me, not just what I was supposed to be," Kiamco said.
AAA Social chairman Dane Guevara said putting the show together was a good experience.
"Getting the professional performer was the hardest part," he said. "We saw (Kiamco) last month at an event at KU and realized his show would be a perfect way to end our variety show."
Kiamco's performance was a comedy, with him joking about his attraction to a repairman at age four and his desire to wear eyeliner at age 14.
"At carpentry camp I made myself a kitchenette ... covered in sparkles," Kiamco said.
Kiamco's performance also touched on serious topics such as the difficulties of growing up facing not only the stereotypes of being an Asian American, but also of being gay.
"The universal message is that coming out is about more than just sexuality," Kiamco said.
Guevara said he was happy with how the show turned out.
"Through the event we are able to spread Asian awareness by showcasing the talent on campus and in the Asian-American community," Guevara said.
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