Cold Tofu Comedy w/ Marilyn Tokuda - LEGACY

Taking a look at the commonly overlooked, rich history of early Asian American cinema groups, Masami shares a reflective conversation with actress, former arts education director of East West Players, founder of Cold Tofu, and former Co-Chair of the Asian Pacific American Media Coalition, Marilyn Tokuda. Marilyn delves deep into her internal struggles at the beginning of her acting career and how the various mentors she had within the community were pivotal in shaping her journey. Masami and Marilyn emphasize the importance of early Asian American coalitions and activists and the need to continue advocacy in the entertainment industry.

Podcast Show Notes Guest Title: Marilyn Tokuda Recording Date: 10/12/2021

Episode Title: Cold Tofu Comedy w/ Marilyn Tokuda

Topics Discussed:

Topic 1 - The impact of East West Players.

Topic 2 - The impetuses and mentors who encouraged and sparked Marilyn’s acting journey.

Topic 3 - How she derived her strength from wanting to be different from Asian stereotypes. Topic 4 - The motivations and beginnings of how Marilyn started Cold Tofu Topic 5 - Finding her own unique voice within the Asian American community.

Topic 6 - The passionate history behind Cold Tofu’s success and development

Topic 7 - How nonprofit comedy groups stay financially stable.

Topic 8 - Marilyn’s involvement in East West Players.

Topic 9 - The importance of having positive role models within the Asian American community. Topic 10 - Coalitions’ effects on changing the theater and film industry.

Topic 11 - Breaking the cycle of silencing her own voice.

Topic 12 - Making noise to keep networks accountable.

Topic 13 - Demanding increasing initiatives and development for Asian Americans within the industry.

Topic 14 - Closing thoughts.

Transcript: https://strongasianlead.com/transcript-marilyn-tokuda-interview/

Links and Handles:

Marilyn’s IMDb - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0865795/

Masami's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/masmoriya

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