Microaggressions

Original post date: September 24, 2019

In May, I submitted one of my plays to an award. Yesterday was the day I find out if I was nominated or shortlisted for the award.

While I was at the Ceremony, someone praised me for my work by bowing to me.

I can’t lie and say that it didn’t get to me because it did. For a while, it ruined my evening.

Then, I remembered why I was there. I started retracing my steps. The piece I submitted started off as a monologue I wrote for my playwrighting class. Then, I created a set of characters. It turned into a dialogue. Then, a monodrama. It started to evolve. More than two years later, 56 pages and, 7 revisions, I have written a full and completed one act play.

Although I didn’t get nominated, I am proud of myself because I was able to get to that Awards Ceremony today because of all my efforts and dedication over the last few years. Nothing and no one can take that away from me.

If anything, I feel more determined to continue writing and carry out the goals I’ve set as a Playwright: To create narratives that will resonate within the Asian community by representing their culture, showcasing their rich history and, speaking authentically from their experience.

Because clearly, we need this more than ever.

Congratulations to all the nominees. You deserve it!