[Poet Spotlight] Katie Vang

Katie Vang is a performance artist, playwright, poet and mover. She has been described as a “dynamic performer and relentless writer of truth.” She has performed for Pangea World Theater (as ensemble member), Theatre Mu, Pillsbury House Theatre, Exposed Brick Theatre, Ordway Center for Performing Arts, Center for Hmong Arts and Talent, The Walker Art Center.

She has self-released a collection of poetry and prose called Never Said. Her work has been published in Saint Paul Almanac, Bakka Mag., Asian American Press, BlueFifth Magazine and Voices from the Asian American Experience.

 Her commissioned performances and plays include wtf, Hmong Bollywood, 5:1 Meaning of Freedom; 6:2 Use of Sharpening (as a Naked Stages Fellow), Youth In Session (CHAT’s Creative Drama Youth class), and Myth of Xee (CHAT’s Creative Drama Youth class).

She’s received grants from the Jerome Foundation, the Minnesota State Arts Board, and was awarded a NPN Creation Fund to complete Hmong Bollywood.

 She’s worked with C.H.A.T. Center for Hmong Arts and Talent, the first known Hmong Arts organization in the world, for over a decade as a program director, teaching artist and volunteer. In 2012, she received recognition for her contributions to improving the lives of Hmong women and the community, with the Woman Of The Year award.