Belonging

Transforming their quest for representation into a positive movement for systemic change, a newly formed community of Asian American artists unites to reimagine the world of opera, building a space of authentic storytelling, excellence, and true belonging. 

Belonging: Asian American Perspectives in the Opera Industry is a podcast series and groundbreaking documentary film that explores the intersection of classical arts and Asian American identity. Historically, the opera industry has marginalized Asian artists, relegating them to a narrow set of stereotypical "Orientalist" roles—such as in Madama Butterfly and Turandot. This project aims to dismantle these systemic barriers by centering the lived experiences of over thirty AAPI professionals.

Created by Chiara Cox, the project features intimate interviews with industry luminaries, including Grammy-winning tenor Nicholas Phan, Tony-winning librettist David Henry Hwang, pioneering conductor Judith Yan, and visionary administrators like Matthew Ozawa and Khori Dastoor. Through their diverse perspectives, Belonging traces a powerful narrative arc: from the cultural clashes of pursuing an artistic lifestyle against traditional family expectations, to the painful realities of industry microaggressions and the career-limiting "Butterfly Effect" of typecasting.

Crucially, the project is not a grievance narrative, but a constructive blueprint for the future. Embracing the Asian Opera Alliance’s philosophy of "calling in" rather than "calling out," the documentary sets a positive tone to inspire curiosity, empathy, and productive long-term change. It highlights moments where artists felt truly "seen," and outlines actionable solutions like color-conscious casting, diverse executive leadership, and the creation of a modern "Asian canon".

Rolling out as an accessible podcast in May 2026 and a feature-length documentary in May 2027, Belonging shifts the AAPI narrative from silent marginalization to vocal empowerment. Ultimately, it invites the entire opera community to reimagine a 21st-century stage where diverse artists no longer just fit into a European fantasy, but finally experience a true sense of belonging.

The documentary project "Belonging: Asian American Perspectives in the Opera Industry" serves as a transformative milestone for AAPI professionals, shifting their narrative from silent marginalization to organized, vocal empowerment. Historically, AAPI artists have navigated a Eurocentric industry that often treats White singers as the "default," relegating Asian performers to narrow, stereotypical "Orientalist" roles. By synthesizing the perspectives of over 30 diverse singers, directors, composers, and administrators, this project provides profound validation for these artists, exposing pervasive microaggressions and the career-limiting "Butterfly Effect" of typecasting.

Crucially, the project's impact lies in its community-building power. For decades, many AAPI professionals, such as director Matthew Ozawa, operated in isolation as the "only Asian in the room". The documentary highlights how shared struggles—exacerbated by the pandemic and rising anti-Asian hate—have catalyzed a unified front. Artists like Robert Feng note that finding this community and engaging in activism showed them they were not alone, fundamentally changing how they viewed their place in the industry and sparking a desire to uplift each other.

Furthermore, Belonging acts as a blueprint for systemic change. It amplifies the "calling in" rather than "calling out," encouraging opera companies to engage in constructive dialogue for long-term equity rather than short-term shame. The project empowers AAPI artists to demand representation beyond the stage, pushing for diverse leadership, conscious casting, and the creation of a new "Asian canon" of authentic, modern stories that do not rely on trauma.

Ultimately, the documentary's impact is generative. By making the invisible visible, it inspires a new generation of AAPI artists to reclaim their narratives, self-produce their work, and demand a sense of true belonging in an evolving art form.

Key Creative Personnel

Chiara Cox - lead director, producer, writer, editor, narrator, interviewer

San San Onglatco - co-director, co-producer

Interviewees include

Asian Opera Alliance Founders: Adam Diegel, Nina Yoshida Nelsen

Grammy-winning Tenor: Nicholas Phan

Tony-winning Librettist: David Henry Hwang

Pioneering Conductor: Judith Yan

Prolific Composer: Kamala Sankaram

Visionary Administrators: Khori Dastoor, Matthew Ozawa, Priti Gandhi, Sue Elliot

Wear Yellow Proudly Founders: Alice Chung and Helen Huang

Yellow Face Author:  Phil Chan

Other interviewees include AAPI Activist Gabrielle Kazuko Nomura Gainor; Cultural Consultant Kunio Hara; Conductors Mo Zhou and Tiffany Chang; Librettist Jessica Murphy Moo; Opera Singers: Andre Chang, Angela Yam, Bizhou Chang, Janani Sridhar, Jeannette Lee, Julius Ahn, Maya Kherani, Michelle Mariposa, Omar Najmi, Robert Feng, Rodell Rosel, Rolfe Dauz, Samina Aslam, Yunah Lee.

February 2026 - Chiara Cox has completed interviews with key people in the industry.  

May 2026 - release of the video podcast 

June 2026 - San San Onglatco joins the team as co-director and co-producer

May 2027 - release of the documentary feature

Currently, we have not secured external funding for this project. Chiara has generously committed to volunteering her time and expertise to bring this documentary to fruition. However, obtaining grant funding is crucial to enhance the project's scope, production quality, and overall impact. Securing financial support from organizations, particularly those dedicated to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) arts and advocacy, will not only provide essential resources but also lend credibility and visibility to the project. Such backing demonstrates community investment and can attract broader interest, extending beyond the opera community. It underscores the project's relevance and the collective commitment to addressing representation, Orientalism, and racial dynamics within the opera industry. We are also actively pursuing grant opportunities to ensure the documentary achieves its full potential in fostering meaningful dialogue and change.

Core Philosophy: "Calling In"

All outreach and engagement efforts will be rooted in the Asian Opera Alliance’s (AOA) philosophy of "calling in" rather than "calling out". The goal is to avoid short-term shame or "cancel culture" and instead create a positive, generative tone that inspires curiosity, empathy, and long-term systemic change among opera industry gatekeepers and audiences.

Phase 1: Pre-Release & Podcast Rollout (Spring 2026)

The initial phase focuses on broad digital accessibility and finding aligned partners.

• Sponsorship Acquisition (March 2026): While the Asian Opera Alliance serves as the primary sponsor, outreach will begin to secure additional sponsors and partners to help amplify the podcast's release.

• Podcast Launch (May 2026): Roll out the podcast strategically during Asian American Heritage Month to maximize cultural relevance and media coverage.

• Festival Sneak Peeks: Pitch a specialized 60-minute edit of the video podcast to digital and cultural festivals.

Phase 2: Documentary Premiere & Industry Targeting (Spring 2027)

This phase brings the conversation directly into the spaces where systemic change needs to occur.

• Film Release (May 2027): Premiere the full documentary feature.

• Opera House Screenings: Target regional and major opera houses for private or public screenings. By bringing the film directly to the "gatekeepers" (boards, casting directors, and executive leadership), the project can directly advocate for its actionable solutions: color-conscious casting, diverse leadership, and the creation of an "Asian canon".

• Film Festival Circuit: Submit the documentary to international and domestic film festivals to build critical acclaim and reach wider audiences outside the classical music bubble.

Phase 3: Community Dialogue & "In-Person" Engagement

Modeled after successful community engagement initiatives highlighted in the documentary, this phase turns the film into a tool for civic dialogue.

• Panel Discussions and Town Halls: Following screenings, host panel discussions featuring AAPI arts leaders and activists. This mimics the successful community engagement models utilized by Seattle Opera (during their Madame Butterfly controversy) and Boston Lyric Opera's "Butterfly Process," which brought together scholars, directors, and singers to discuss how to produce works with integrity for a 21st-century audience.

• Lobby Displays & Educational Materials: For screenings held at opera houses, provide companion materials—such as lobby displays detailing the history of "Yellowface" and Asian American representation—to educate traditional audiences before they watch the film.

• Grassroots "Call to Action": Utilize the film's concluding message to mobilize the audience. The outreach will prompt viewers to:

  • Join the ongoing conversation.

  • Talk directly to their local opera houses about programming and casting.

  • Help advocate for AAPI creatives.

  • Keep and preserve their own community archives and stories.

Asian Opera Alliance - Uplifting Asian voices in opera and advocating for greater representation in our industry, while striving for broader equity.

Tour of Tea - from Chiara Cox's home state, this South Carolina non-profit creates inclusive space where Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voices are uplifted, traditions are honored, and diversity is not only celebrated, but deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life.