How Truly is it Just About You?

Our twelfth installment features Peter J. Kuo, with our host Courtney J. Boddie from the Teaching Artistry with Courtney J. Boddie Podcast, who acknowledges that growth must remain constant within individuals in order to properly understand and serve humanity. By constructing spaces that serve multiple identities, we receive the opportunity to learn and unlearn from our peers. 

The challenge, power. 

How one holds power, visible or invisible, can send signals of authority that influences individuals’ comfortability. Unfortunately, people with power can present behaviors (related to time, capacity or responsibility) that create barriers. In our society, we have solidified the notion that questioning power or asking for accommodations is weak. These scenarios are common to artists who have power but are terrified to assert themselves, especially in an industry with unstable job security. Powerful people lean into those who are oppressed being aware that they cannot say no; striping the power. 

“Emotional Intelligence Training is needed,” says Kuo. Knowing the structures of how others operate delivers productivity because individuals are more keen about personal relevance. Due to capitalism, the education system withholds teaching these necessary skills during youth development. Everything has become product driven. 

How do we dismantle damaging behaviors? Well it depends on the willingness to change. The false narrative, “everyone can change”, has built a complacent environment. The reality is that some may change and others may not, so what to do with those who will not? Kuo has seen three directions: 

  1. Burn it Down (Cancel Culture)

  2. Create Anew

  3. Dismantle from the Inside (Kuo lives here)

Kuo supports any decisions, but acknowledges that his privilege affords him the power to dismantle. Primarily by finding co-conspirators in power and gaining their trust. We also have to keep in mind that there exist organizations that want to change but have difficulty. Therefore, model organizations and individuals must lead by example; set the standard. Instead of defaulting with Cancel Culture mechanisms, we must shift to an abolitionist mindset that is set on helping everyone, even if they are failing. 

Change has to happen. 

Join us next week when Courtney interviews Dr. Daphnie Sicre, an assistant professor of Theatre Arts at Loyola Marymount University, where she teaches directing, solo performance, Latinx theatre and theatre for social change.

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Peter J. Kuo (he/him/his) is bi-coastal LA native, and the Associate Conservatory Director at American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.), where he serves as the Chair of the Staff EDI Committee. He is a theatre director, producer, writer, and educator focusing on raising the visibility of marginalized communities. Achievements include being part of TCG's Rising Leaders of Color cohort, a directing residency at The Drama League, directing assistantships at Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Williamstown Theatre Festival, South Coast Repertory, and Geffen Playhouse. He has directed for A.C.T., Weston Playhouse, East West Players, and Playground. He is a co-founder of Artists at Play, an Asian American theatre collective that produces Los Angeles premieres of works for Asian Americans. Following the success of his Live Video Theatre production of Madhuri Shekar's In Love and Warcraft for A.C.T.'s MFA program, he is now teaching several workshops over the summer on Live Video Theatre Techniques at Perseverance Theatre Company. Work Samples: White Supremacy and Theatre and Live Video Theatre.


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