Tim Dang is ending his 23 year reign as artistic director of East West Players.
The Hawaiian-born Dang talked with the Los Angeles Times about his career and his future.
“It is really my passion to give opportunity — to raise the visibility, to give voice to the Asian Pacific experience,” said Dang about why he stayed so long.
His departure comes at the close of the theater’s 50th season in Los Angeles and the end of the 5-year strategic plan he implemented. He will stay on as a consultant to help with the transition to the new artistic director who has not yet been named.
Last year Dang unveiled his plan which urges theaters to commit to casting 51% people of color, women or those younger than 35 within five years.
“I don’t think we’re necessarily telling people that you have to hire 51%, it should be a natural process if you are indeed including everyone who is applying for a job,” he said pointing to the fact that the U.S. is trending towards a minority majority.
Dang plans to spend time pushing for his plan, but expects a lot of down time while he figures out the next chapter in his life.
His last official day as artistic director of East West is June 30.
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