Zee Zee Theatre hosts the Queer Asian Stories Collection at the Vancouver Public Library, November 18, 19, 25, and 26

Participants can “check out” a human as though borrowing a book, to learn about their life experiences, culture, and beliefs

SPONSORED POST BY Zee Zee Theatre

Queer Asian Stories Collection.

Kicking off their biggest season to date, Zee Zee Theatre’s deeply personal, one-on-one free storytelling experience the Queer Asian Stories Collection returns to the Vancouver Public Library’s Central Library on November 18, 19, 25, and 26 from 1 pm to 4 pm.

True to the company’s mission since its inception, the Queer Asian Stories Collection promotes individual stories that provoke and inspire folks, providing a platform for perspectives that transcend understandings of the human condition.

For this edition, like a book, participants can “check out” a human for a candid 20-minute conversation about their life experiences, culture, and beliefs. The experience includes such titles as My Children of the Revolution, The Boy’s Department, Content Warning: Real Hot Girl Sh*t, and Maroon Mountain.

Each season for the past four years, Zee Zee Theatre has presented a storytelling collection with a different curatorial focus. As the peak of the pandemic shed new light on existing cracks within local communities, this year’s theme began to take shape.

“In response to the anti-Asian hate that erupted in response to COVID, we decided to focus on queer Asian stories, and have assembled an exciting curatorial team to gather and support our storytellers,” shares Cameron Mackenzie, Zee Zee Theatre’s artistic and executive director, in a release. “This project, more than any, has the power to change hearts and minds, which ultimately can change the world. And we really need some help with that right now.”

Curating these stories is Shay Dior, mother of the House of Rice; Yanting Qiu, event producer and co-founder of Theatre as a Second Language Society; and theatre artist-storyteller Jaylon Han.

By “checking out” a title for the Queer Asian Stories Collection, participants are given a glimpse into the life and history of someone they may have not otherwise crossed paths with. While the collection highlights perspectives distinct from those of audience members, an important reminder emerges at the end of these brief encounters: despite differences, common ground can always be found.

Shattering stereotypes and notions of “otherhood”, the Queer Asian Stories Collection gives the cautionary phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” a whole new meaning, as everyone has a story worth sharing. By taking the time to sit and listen intently, Zee Zee Theatre invites Vancouver to turn over a new page on their worldview.

For 16 years, Zee Zee Theatre’s programming has sought to foster common understanding and empathy across human experiences. The company is devoted to telling diverse stories and amplifying the voices of those on the margins (with a focus on LGBTQ2SI+ communities), from their inaugural production Whale Riding Weather, to 2020’s Trans Scripts, Part I: The Women. Zee Zee Theatre explores intimate moments through which the infinite complexity of human character can be revealed.

No advance booking is required to attend the Queer Asian Stories Collection. Titles are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Vancouver Public Library’s central branch at 350 W Georgia Street, on the third floor.

More details are available at Zee Zee Theatre.

Post sponsored by Zee Zee Theatre.