American Hwangap Staged Reading Reflects on Family, Distance, and Reconnection

A heartfelt evening of performance, conversation, and community in celebration of Korean American stories.

On June 22, Contemporary Asian Theater Scene (CATS) hosted a moving staged reading of American Hwangap by Lloyd Suh at the Akiyama Wellness Center in San Jose. The performance brought together community members for an evening of theater that explored intergenerational tension, diasporic identity, and the fragile work of rebuilding familial bonds.

Directed by Chris Sicat, the cast delivered a powerful reading that balanced humor, pathos, and cultural nuance. The play centers around Min Suk Chun, a Korean father returning to Texas to celebrate his 60th birthday—his hwangap—after having left his family decades prior. As he reunites with his ex-wife and three now-adult children, long-buried emotions and unanswered questions surface, forcing each character to confront their past and consider their future.

Photographs courtesy of Jason Ting.

The event was made even more special by the warm energy in the room—laughter, tears, and heartfelt discussion all echoed the emotional layers of the performance.

Thank you to all who attended and supported this event. American Hwangap is a reminder of the importance of telling Asian American stories that speak to both generational rifts and shared humanity.

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