The residency felt almost utopian to me.
— Irene Yi
Playwright/ Lead Artist of Polyphonic: Human Acts
“The emotional resonance we witnessed, along with the feedback we received throughout the process, helped us better understand the urgency and necessity of this work.”
Q: What is the general vibe working with rice & beans theatre?
It is FUN and professional at the same time! I feel rice & beans has created a safe and free environment for the artists to create and experiment while always being there to support if needed.
Q: What is one new thing you tried, discovered, or figured out about your artistic practice while you were here?
Through this process, I developed a deeper understanding of what it means to create multilingual work as a playwright. It also gave me greater courage and confidence in my own writing style. I was encouraged to keep pushing the boundaries of the piece without being afraid of becoming too expansive or going too far. I experimented with different forms of writing, including incorporating a long poem into one character’s monologue and treating the stage directions as poetic, descriptive elements of the theatrical world. These choices allowed the language of the play to extend beyond dialogue and become part of the world-building itself.
“Having the work tested in front of both fellow artists and a public audience was an incredible privilege.”
Q: What was the most enjoyable part/ moment of the residency?
Every part of the experience was enjoyable and deeply fulfilling, and it has become one of the most unforgettable experiences of my artistic journey. That is not an exaggeration. Sharing new writing can often feel stressful and vulnerable, but during the residency, that process became genuinely exciting because everyone was so encouraging and supportive. Watching the actors make thoughtful and unexpected choices was also incredibly inspiring and often helped me see the work in new ways. The residency felt almost utopian to me. I had dedicated time to create and write without constantly worrying about making mistakes or whether everything would work as expected. It gave me the freedom to experiment, take risks, and trust the process. Just as importantly, I was able to build deeper connections with many people and form friendships that I believe will last well beyond the residency.
Q: What would you say to artists who may be interested in applying to this program in the future?
I would wholeheartedly encourage them to apply. What makes this residency so special is not only the resources and time it provides, but the environment it creates. It is a space where you are encouraged to take risks, ask difficult questions, and embrace uncertainty without the pressure of having all the answers. The support from the artistic team and fellow participants is incredibly generous, and the conversations that happen throughout the process are just as valuable as the time spent in the rehearsal room. You will feel seen here.