Zak Ma is a New York based actor and physical theatre artist. He received his MFA acting training at the Actors Studio Drama School and Butoh training with Ren Gyo Soh. Zak’s work dives into the universality of the human experience, and aims to connect people of all backgrounds. He is currently producing his solo workshop series, Ma: The Exodus and The Intermediate, to explore his complex experience as a Vietnamese American immigrant. In addition to devising experimental works, Zak also transforms into a range of more traditionally recognizable characters, from Alan in Peter Shaffer’s Equus and Prior in Tony Kushner’s Angels in America to Shakespeare’s Henry V. Most recently, he is proud originate characters in world premiere theatrical productions of True Nature of All Being by Lisa A. Giordano (Emerson Theatre Collaborative) and Watch Me by Caky Winsett (Kervigo Ensemble Theatre).
THE INTERMEDIATE: TRAILER
This story is about the journey of an immigrant to find his identity, guided by the lost lullabies and prayers of his ancestors. The minimalist expression of Butoh dance creates an abstract narrative which connects lost children of every nation. This is an exploration of all the things that are lost to the water in exchange for dreams, and a celebration of the acceptance of being in the in-between— a liberation of existence without definition.
Special thanks to Jaclyn Reyes from the Artists Commissioning Program at Queens Council on the Arts, NYFA City Artists Corps, music composer Jacob Elkin, Butoh theatre company RenGyoSoh, director Rui Dun, and all participants of previous workshops for their immense love and support through the realization of this story.
BUTOH PERFORMANCE VIDEO: CRACKS
From deep within the cracks of our mirage of identity is where the truth comes to life. Cracks is the battle against the gravity of our own creation to reach the discovery of self-love and acceptance.