10 Questions with Melvin Ningyao Yen

Melvin Ningyao Yen, a pioneering force in the fusion of digital media and theater, hails from the vibrant cultural landscape of Taiwan and now operates out of New York City. Ningyao's artistic journey is marked by a diverse and rich tapestry of experiences that span continents and disciplines. As the founder and producer at A Stage Theatre in New York, Ningyao has been instrumental in creating original works that explore the Chinese American narrative, bringing forth a unique blend of historical depth and innovative expression.

Ningyao's portfolio includes notable projects such as AWAKE, an experimental theater piece known for its captivating use of projection, visual storytelling, and music to create immersive experiences. In every endeavor, Ningyao seeks to bridge the gap between past and present, drawing on the profound cultural exchanges and spiritual journeys of immigrants in America to weave stories that resonate on a deeply human level. With a knack for leading and collaborating with diverse artistic teams, Ningyao's work stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary creativity in redefining the boundaries of theater and performance art.

astagetheatre.com | @melvinfgood

ARTIST STATEMENT

Melvin's artistic ethos is anchored in the exploration of cultural narratives and the human condition, utilizing the dynamic realms of immersive theater and multimedia projects as their canvas. "Journey of the Dharma: Echoes of the Immigrant Spirit," one of their recent undertakings, epitomizes this vision. This project revisits the saga of early Chinese Buddhist missionaries in America, marrying historical narratives with spiritual introspection to craft an immersive new media theater experience that transcends conventional storytelling.

At the core of Melvin's work is a commitment to fostering cultural dialogue and understanding. They strive to create art that not only entertains but also enlightens, challenging audiences to reflect on the intricate mosaic of human experiences and cultural identities. Through their projects, they aim to construct bridges between disparate worlds – the past and the present, the physical and the digital, the individual and the collective – inviting viewers to traverse these landscapes alongside them.

As an artist deeply engaged at the intersection of digital media, theater, embodied performance, and music, they are driven by the belief that art has the power to transform societies and individuals alike. It is this conviction that propels me to continually push the boundaries of their creative practice, crafting experiences that not only captivate but also inspire and provoke thought.

INTERVIEW

Please introduce yourself to our readers. Who are you, and how did you develop into the artist you are today? 

Hello there, dear readers! I'm Ningyao, though you might know me as Melvin. Imagine, if you will, a Buddhist with a heart full of compassion, wandering the dynamic streets of New York. An advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, deeply passionate about human rights, and a Taiwanese soul striving to weave her narrative into the colorful tapestry of this city. That's a glimpse into who I am. But how, you might wonder, did I evolve into the artist sharing her story with you today?
My roots are deeply embedded in the traditional values of Taiwan and mainland China, where life was a meticulously planned journey toward a career in science, guided by parental wisdom. However, destiny had a twist in store. A fortuitous plunge into the world of musical theater during my college days unveiled a new horizon, one where creativity knew no bounds and expression was limitless. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a transformative journey.
Embracing my identity and challenging societal conventions, I dove headfirst into the world of performing arts. My education in Performing Arts Administration at NYU wasn't just academic; it was a voyage of self-discovery and artistic exploration. Today, I stand before you as a producer, administrator, director, and writer, ready to conquer the world, one performance at a time. My art is more than just a career; it's the echo of my struggles, victories, and the myriad stories that have colored my life.
So, as we embark on this journey together, expect a symphony of experiences, a confluence of cultures, and a celebration of life's beautiful chaos. Welcome to my world.

What experiences have shaped your artistic journey? And how is your transition from Taiwan to New York City reflected into your work?

My artistic journey has been shaped by a series of transformative experiences, starting right after college when I joined U Theatre in Taiwan as an Executive Producer. This was my first foray into the professional world, and it left a lasting impact on me. U theatre is known for its unique style that combines martial arts, drumming, and meditation, rooted in Zen philosophy. They challenge traditional performance environments by engaging with nature, creating a seamless blend of the performer's presence and philosophy. As a Buddhist, this resonated deeply with me and influenced my approach to breaking the 'fourth wall' in theater, pushing the boundaries of conventional stage design.
When I moved to New York, I noticed a significant gap in the representation of Chinese artists and stories, which often made it challenging to resonate with American audiences. This observation led me to establish A Stage Theatre, aiming to create a nurturing environment for Chinese narratives. I've had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse group of Chinese artists, including graphic designers, painters, musicians, and 3D designers, integrating various art forms into our theater productions. This process taught me that the challenge wasn't the stories themselves but the fear that they wouldn't be accepted. My mission in New York has been to dismantle these barriers, encouraging artists to express their authentic selves without constraints. This blend of my Buddhist philosophy, my initial professional experiences in Taiwan, and my efforts to champion Chinese narratives in New York shapes the core of my work today.

In your statement you mention exploring Chinese American narratives. How much does your personal experience influence this choice of theme? And what other themes do you wish to investigate with your work?

My journey from Taiwan, through mainland China and Japan to the United States has profoundly shaped my focus on Chinese American narratives. These personal experiences provide me with a unique lens through which I view and interpret the stories of Chinese Americans, making this theme deeply resonant for me. While my Taiwanese background initially drew me to explore Asian American narratives, delving into the history of Chinese immigration has broadened my perspective. I've become more attuned to the cultural shocks, changes, and integrations that this community has undergone throughout their immigration journey, mirroring the complexities of my own life experiences and my dedication to human rights issues, from the history of immigration policies and the Chinese Exclusion Act to the anti-Asian sentiments during the COVID-19 pandemic. My aim is to amplify the voices of this community, shedding light on their stories and struggles.
In addition to these narratives, I'm eager to weave the philosophy of mindfulness and Zen Buddhism into my work. This aspect of my identity influences my artistic expression, allowing me to explore themes of presence, acceptance, and the transformative power of living in the moment. I believe that embracing the 'present' can liberate us from worries and sorrows, fostering a world filled with kindness and empathy. Through my art, I aspire to create spaces where audiences can connect with these philosophies, finding solace and understanding in the shared human experience.

Beyond the themes of Chinese American narratives, what other cultural narratives or human experiences inspire your artistic exploration?

While the narratives of Chinese Americans hold a special place in my artistic exploration, my inspiration extends beyond any single cultural narrative to the shared human experiences that bind us all. I believe in the universality of emotions - joy, sorrow, the urge to escape pain, concealment, liberation, disappointment, despair, and resilience are experiences that transcend race, culture, and identity. This belief deeply influences my storytelling, where I intentionally blur racial characteristics and often incorporate non-binary characters. My aim is to underscore that societal labels and identities are insufficient in truly capturing the essence of an individual. Instead, it is our actions, experiences, and emotions that form the fundamental connections among us as humans. This approach allows me to weave stories that resonate on a universal level, inviting audiences from diverse backgrounds to find aspects of their own lives reflected in my work.

In your work, you use projections, visual storytelling, and music to create immersive experiences. Can you tell us the creative process behind developing such immersive theatrical experiences?

In the genesis of my stories, even during the earliest brainstorming phases, my mind's eye is already painting vivid pictures. This intuitive visualization guides my decision-making on how a story should unfold on stage—be it through movement, new media, or music, shaping the narrative's fabric. Take 'Awake,' for instance, where a talking fish wasn't merely a prop to me but a majestic projection, akin to a deity in my mind's narrative landscape. This early vision led me to place a stronger emphasis on new media, prompting me to collaborate with like-minded projection designers from the get-go.
My process typically starts with crafting a demo myself, serving as a conversational piece to spark discussions with designers, musicians, or choreographers. This collaborative approach ensures that each element, from projections to soundscapes, harmoniously intertwines to create an immersive experience that not only envelopes the audience in the narrative but also engages their senses, evoking emotions and stimulating thought. It's about creating a world on stage where every artistic choice, from the flicker of light to the swell of a musical note, contributes to a collective, immersive journey.

Ultimately, why did you choose theater and performance as your privileged mediums? What do they represent for you?

Theater and performance, to me, are more than just mediums; they are the sanctuaries where the ephemeral meets the eternal. This unique interplay of live, fleeting moments against the backdrop of stories that have withstood the test of time is what makes these mediums so captivating. Within the intimate confines of a theater space, we cultivate genuine emotions and experiences, utilizing an array of artistic techniques and technologies to frame these narratives. The pathways for these narratives are as diverse as the human experience itself—be they curved, straight, or indeterminate—offering both freedom and structure, much like the complex relationships we navigate in our lives.
For me, the theater is a special venue, an intimate space where we endeavor to irrigate genuine emotions and experiences. It's about utilizing established techniques and technologies to frame these narratives, allowing for a free yet structured transmission of stories that mirrors our interpersonal relationships. The black box theater, constantly challenging us to break through metaphorical walls, remains at its core a 'black box'—a space defined by its boundaries yet limitless in its potential to explore and express the human condition. This duality of freedom and confinement within the theater encapsulates the essence of human relationships, making theater and performance my chosen vessels for storytelling.

Can you share a significant challenge you've encountered in your artistic practice, and how did you overcome it?

Finance, it's always about finance. Balancing the budget with the artistic vision is a perennial challenge in the world of theater production. As artists mature, learning to maximize the presentation of their vision within financial constraints becomes crucial. However, I've come to realize that the medium itself isn't always paramount. More often than not, it's the people who make the biggest difference. Hence, regardless of budgetary limitations, I prioritize compensating my collaborators as generously as possible. I firmly believe that talented collaborators are half the battle won in creating successful work.
This philosophy has led me to favor smaller-scale projects, typically involving just 2-3 key creatives. This approach not only makes financial management more feasible but also allows us to focus intensely on refining the story itself. Overcoming the financial and logistical complexities of theater production has taught me the value of creative problem-solving, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to learning from each project. By focusing on the people and the story, we can navigate these challenges and continue to bring meaningful art to life.

What role do interdisciplinary collaborations play in your creative process, and how do you approach collaborating with diverse artistic teams?

Interdisciplinary collaborations are indeed the cornerstone of my creative endeavors, infusing my projects with a rich tapestry of perspectives and talents. A crucial tool in this collaborative journey is the creation of a vision board, a practice I deeply cherish. Together with my collaborators, we embark on an early journey of gathering references, engaging in dramaturgical reflections, and contemplating the tools, mediums, designs, and final presentation methods. This process ensures that all of us are aligned, sharing a common vision and understanding of the project's direction.
To facilitate this shared creative space, I approach collaborations with a spirit of openness and curiosity, creating an environment where every voice is heard, and every idea is valued. For me, this collaborative ethos is about ensuring that we're all on the same page, both metaphorically and literally, as we lay out our ideas and inspirations on our collective vision board.
Personally, I am an avid note-taker, constantly carrying a notebook to capture fleeting moments of inspiration in my day-to-day life. This habit of jotting down ideas not only aids in my personal creative process but also contributes valuable insights and sparks of creativity to our collaborative efforts. By blending structured collaborative tools like vision boards with the spontaneous nature of personal note-taking, I strive to create a dynamic and inclusive environment that nurtures creativity and brings our collective vision to life.

Beyond the realm of theater and performance art, are there any other mediums or artistic disciplines you're interested in exploring in the future?

Beyond the vibrant world of theater and performance art, my creative curiosity extends to several other mediums that I'm passionate about exploring further. Photography and videography, for instance, hold a special place in my heart. I often find myself capturing short films when inspiration strikes, assembling a simple crew to bring these visions to life. These shorts, which I edit and produce myself, serve not only as standalone pieces but also as stylistic tone-setters and experimental grounds for my upcoming theater projects.
Additionally, I have a keen interest in video design, where I enjoy mixing and creating visual designs to use as references in my work. This process allows me to weave intricate visual narratives that complement the live performance aspect of my theater productions.
Poetry, too, has been a long-standing love of mine, representing one of the earliest forms of creative expression I delved into. The succinct yet profound nature of poetry offers a unique way to convey complex emotions and ideas, which often find their way into my larger works.
Recently, I've embarked on the challenge of learning 3D modeling. This new venture into the digital realm opens up exciting possibilities for integrating virtual elements with live performances, further blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds in my artistic explorations. Each of these mediums offers a unique lens through which to view and understand the world, and I'm eager to see how they will continue to shape and enrich my artistic voice in the future.

Lastly, what are your projects for 2024? Do you have any exhibitions or projects you would like to share with our readers?

As we look ahead to 2024, I'm deeply immersed in crafting a narrative that's particularly close to my heart. I'm currently writing a story that revolves around a Chinese missionary's journey to the United States in the 1980s and their eventual return to Taiwan. This project is an exploration of identity, cultural exchange, and the personal transformations that occur across different landscapes and epochs. It's a tale that I believe will resonate with many, shedding light on the intricate tapestry of human experiences that transcends borders.
I'm thrilled about the potential of this project and others in the pipeline, and I would love to share these developments and behind-the-scenes glimpses with you. For those interested in following my creative journey and staying updated on this project and more, I invite you to follow me on Instagram at @melvinfgood or our theater group's page at @astagetheatre. Here, you'll find a mix of personal insights, project updates, and snapshots of my artistic process. I'm excited to connect with you all and share the unfolding stories that drive my passion for theater and storytelling.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.