Who We Are
East West Players (EWP) is the nation’s longest-running Asian American theater and the largest producer of Asian American theatrical works.
Founded in 1965, East West Players is committed to raising the visibility of the Asian American experience by presenting inventive world-class theatrical productions, developing artists of color, and providing impactful youth education programs.
Our Mission
East West Players’ vision is to inspire and advocate for a world free of racism and discrimination through transformative artistic works.
Our Vision
(L to R) Ronald M. Banks and Marilyn Tokuda in Sweeney Todd… (2006)
Established in 1965, East West Players has since premiered more than 228 plays and musicals, along with over 1,000 diverse readings and workshops for actors, writers, and directors. By building bridges between East and West, we have cultivated a loyal audience of over 70% people of color. Our company continues to build platforms for artists of color while advocating for multi-faceted representations of the Asian Pacific American experience in the performing arts.
Our History
(L to R) Nobu McCarthy and Danny Glover in Yohen (1999)
Read our Cultural Equity & Inclusion Strategy
Our Values
To create an open and inclusive space for diverse constituencies.
COMMUNITY
To lead the Asian American and theatrical communities with ground-breaking artistic works.
VISIONARY LEADERSHIP
To aspire to the highest level of artistry.
ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE
To raise visibility and dialogue around the issues that affect our times.
SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS
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