Mayumi Tsutakawa

Mayumi Tsutakawa is an independent writer and editor and a native of Seattle. She also is a presenter with the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau and speaks about the troubled history of Japanese Americans in Washington State. She has co-edited several multicultural literary anthologies, including The Forbidden Stitch: Asian American Women’s Literary Anthology (Calyx Books) which received the Before Columbus Foundation’s American Book Award.
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Oregon Shakespeare Festival proves power of diversifying the stage

by Mayumi Tsutakawa
Oregon Shakespeare Festival's emphasis on diverse casts in classic and new plays, and on new works from playwrights of color, has brought accolades.
Aug 21, 2019

“7th and Jackson” revisits a Seattle crossroads of history, place and culture

by Mayumi Tsutakawa
Through drama and jazz, writer/director Sara Porkalob revisits a historical crossroads of Seattle’s Chinatown-International District in “7th and Jackson.”
Jul 31, 2019

Playwright Julia Cho weaves a brief but difficult tale in “Office Hour”

by Mayumi Tsutakawa
The play “Office Hour,” at ArtsWest through May 26, draws from the 2007 shooting at Virginia Tech.
May 15, 2019

“Nina Simone: Four Women” imagines an artist’s path to activism

by Mayumi Tsutakawa
“Nina Simone: Four Women,” presented by the Seattle Repertory Theatre, explores the life of the iconic jazz singer and activist artist.
May 9, 2019

Cambodia art journey reflects the nation’s modern hope

by Mayumi Tsutakawa
A tour of more than 20 artists in Cambodia reflects the long and complex history of the country and the resilience of its people.
Apr 3, 2019

“Worlds Beyond Here” explores Asian American impact on science fiction

by Mayumi Tsutakawa
An exhibition focuses on Asian American science fiction creators, who often address identity, immigration and race, technology and more through a genre that's more than just outer space and time travel.
Oct 17, 2018

Seattle filmmaker retraces steps of artist who painted a changing Melanesia

by Mayumi Tsutakawa
Society portraitist Caroline Mytinger bucked conventions of her day to venture to Melanesia to document the changing world of the South Pacific. A Seattle filmmaker retraced her journey.
Oct 3, 2018

Taiwan’s Aboriginal cultures inspire Cloud Gate’s “Formosa”

by Mayumi Tsutakawa
The renowned Taiwanese choreographer Lin Hwai-min spoke to an audience at Meany Theater on his last tour before retirement.
Mar 28, 2018

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre fuses Taiwan traditions and contemporary dance

by Mayumi Tsutakawa
Choreographer Lin Hwai-min reflects on the nature and culture of Taiwan and its political history in "Formosa."
Mar 15, 2018

JieHae Park’s “Peerless” can take a stereotype and turn it into a weapon

by Mayumi Tsutakawa
The dark comedy at ArtsWest explores the inner minds of teenagers in a hyper competitive society.
Jan 31, 2018

Seattle Opera’s “An American Dream” spotlights Japanese American injustice

by Mayumi Tsutakawa
Revival of the 2015 chamber opera features collaborations with local Japanese American and civil rights groups.
Aug 31, 2017

Women artists reflect on “Infinity Mirrors,” Yayoi Kusama’s legacy

by Mayumi Tsutakawa
Yayoi Kusama's influence and legacy is larger than playful colors and whimsical patterns.
Jul 19, 2017

“Here Lies Love” sparks complex recollections of Marcos regime

by Mayumi Tsutakawa
"Here Lies Love" offers a rare chance for Filipinos to take a leading role onstage, but many have complicated reactions to the history behind the show.
May 3, 2017
Japanese Americans walk down the Bainbridge Islan ferry dock to catch a special ferry to Seattle for mass removal in 1942. (Photo courtesy of the Museum of History & Industry)

History of Japanese American incarceration finds modern parallel

by Mayumi Tsutakawa
Reflections on the 75th Anniversary of Executive Order 9066 — what happened to Japanese Americans in World War II has become even more relevant in 2017.
Feb 14, 2017

‘Avenidas y Generaciones’ contrasts Latino American experiences through art

by Mayumi Tsutakawa
Free show at the Washington State Convention Center features a diverse group of artists from the contemporary Pacific Northwest Latino/a art scene.
Feb 7, 2017

Seattle author’s fiction blends her Filipino and Latino family influences

by Mayumi Tsutakawa
Seattle author Donna Miscolta took a winding road to creative writing.
Dec 7, 2016