Actor, playwriter, and performing artist Ova Saopeng, a refugee from war-torn Laos who grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii, became interested in the performing arts because he thought he has that kind of talent. Ova embraced the opportunities that America offered and has brought with him an incredible perspective into the world of performance.
Ova established the performing group,TeAda Productions Inc., as a new avenue for the public to learn and understand the culture and traditions that link back to the Laotian Community and his homeland.
Being an performing art actor and an Asian, a minority in a competitive market, is not easy. Despite all the difficulties, Ova managed to overcome his handicap and established his company with the help of his wife, Leilani, a native Hawaiian. Currently, they both reside in Los Angeles, California, where they started their performing business.
With the support of TeAda Productions, a company dedicated to providing innovative theatrical experiences that will educate audiences about multi-cultural issues and empower under-served communities, he recently wrote and created "Welcome to LSL, Lao as A Second Language," which explores the struggle of refugees from Laos who had to learn a new tongue when they came to America, and twists the idea of ESL, English as second language.
Ova recently returned to his homeland of Laos and was inspired to create a whole new work.
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