Brenda Wong Aoki / Mark Izu

Mission Statement

Brenda Wong Aoki and Mark Izu

Programs

First Voice was created to provide an organizational structure for the collaborations of Mark Izu and Brenda Wong Aoki, two prominent Asian American artists whose work since the 1970s has centered on creating contemporary American art by adapting non-Western theatrical, musical, and spoken word traditions.

First Voice’s creative work is drawn from a number of different influences including our history of social, political, and cultural activism in San Francisco’s Japantown and Chinatown; our relationship to the Hapa (mixed-race) community; our traditional training in Noh, Kyogen, and Gagaku; and our lifelong dedication to working with artists whose hearts connect deeply with ours.

First Voice continues to present our past work in repertory, at home in San Francisco and on tour in the U.S. and throughout the world. We have produced numerous spoken word and jazz recordings, and are at work on a publication imprint; our latest recording, Mermaid Meat, was released in 2005 in CD/book format and sold out its first printing.

Community Presence

First Voice performs regularly in theaters, schools and organizations in the communities of all 5 Bay Area counties!

Community Partners include:

San Francisco

• Glide Memorial Church
• Jewish Community Center of San Francisco
• Nihonmachi Little Friends
• Purple Moon Dance Company
• Asian Art Museum
• De Young Museum
• SF Public Library
• Lick Wilmerding School
• University of San Francisco
• Yoshi’s Jazz Club

Alameda

• Rhythmix Cultural Works
• Berkeley Symphony

Marin

• 142 Throckmorton Theatre
• Marin County Day School

San Mateo

Support for First Voice

First Voice is funded by foundations and individuals.  See our list of funders and donors

Visit the First Voice Web site.