Almost to the day three years ago, in March 2020, New York City was left reeling from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Businesses shut down, schools were closed, a mass exodus of transplants removed themselves from the city, and our beloved arts industry shattered. Meanwhile, hate crimes against Asian Americans rose due to racist rhetoric from the former president.
Despite the challenges, the Asian American community rallied together to provide safe haven for one another. They refused to be intimidated into silence, and instead, came together to showcase their strength and unity through the arts.
J CHEN PROJECT kicked off the new year with a powerful performance at New York City Center Studios as part of the AAPI Dance Festival produced by the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company and the Asian American Arts Alliance. On January 14, 2023, along with Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company and House of Chow, they put on a proud display of culture, movement, and language.
J CHEN PROJECT performed fan favorites, such as You are Safe, RECLAIM, and I Can Almost See You. The piece, You Are Safe, discusses the emotional weight of hate crimes committed against Asian Americans in the United States. It is a reminder to the Asian American community that we are strong, and we are strongest together. While we recognize our pain, we do not let it hold us back. We will heal together and keep moving forward.
Each performer did an amazing job of translating the pain, fear, and strength Asian Americans feel in the United States today. You Are Safe is a new fan favorite and will be performed in our upcoming show in March.
We would like to formally announce that the J CHEN PROJECT is up and thriving. If the performance in January is any indicator of this year, we are excited to welcome a full house of dance enthusiasts.
Don't miss the chance to see the J CHEN PROJECT rise amidst the chaos and emerge as a beacon of hope for the Asian American community. Please get your tickets for their upcoming performances on March 30th and 31st, 2023. Details below.
AAPI HEROES: MYTHS AND LEGENDS
Thrusday, March 30, 2023 at 6:30pm EST
Thrusday, March 30, 2023 at 8:30pm EST
Friday, March 31, 2023 at 6:30pm EST
Friday, March 31, 2023 at 8:30pm EST
Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA)
215 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013
General Admission $35
Patron Ticket $70 *includes a tax-deductible donation to JCP’s Patron Ticket Program
*anyone with an economic barrier to entry please email: jchenproject@gmail.com
To secure your spot at what is likely to be a sold-out show click here to purchase tickets. https://jchenproject.ticketleap.com/aapi-hereos-myths-and-legends/
The J CHEN PROJECT is open to commissions for the rest of 2023. If you or an organization would like to request a performance in 2023, please reach out to jchenproject@gmail.com
* AAPI HEROES: MYTHS AND LEGENDS is funded by the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF) through the NYS AAPI Community Fund. JCP Programs are made possible with funds from NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, New York State Council on the Arts, Amerivision Inc, and Dance/NYC Dance Advancement Fund.
* “You Are Safe” was commissioned by the Museum of Chinese in America as part of their exhibition Responses: Asian American Voices Resisting the Tides of Racism.
*“RECLAIM” was commissioned by the New York Chinese Cultural Center, and created in residence at the Museum of Chinese in America.