written in partnership with Jon StojanInterviewed by Wei Jing
In an era of burgeoning cultural exchanges and increasing diversity, more and more individuals are dedicated to bridging cultural divides and fostering connections across communities. E.K Ma is one such active participant. As an accomplished live event producer and co-founder of an educational charity – Getaway Growth, her work centers on promoting cultural understanding and appreciation. Under her visionary leadership, her team produced the first-ever large-scale tour of Mandarin stand-up comedy in the United States and worldwide, gracing stages of historic venues like the nearly century-old Beacon Theatre on Broadway. Meanwhile, Getaway Growth has notably empowered 55 students with enrichment opportunities, facilitated travel experiences for 15, directed $77,000 towards developmental initiatives, and collaborated with over 12 community partners globally. In this exclusive interview, Ma shares her journey, challenges, and aspirations for the future.
Q=Wei Jing
E.K= Yuejia E.K Ma
Q1: As a seasoned live entertainment event producer, could you share insights into your professional background, role, and current focus within the industry? How would you define your role and responsibilities?
E.K: My journey in the entertainment industry began with a profound passion for music and a heartfelt desire to deliver a slice of home to students and expatriates living far from their homeland. This ambition led me to pursue a career in the entertainment sector, which was filled with unprecedented challenges, especially during the pandemic. I utilized this time to further my education, earning a Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the University of Southern California.
Upon completing my graduate studies, I re-entered the entertainment scene. As a live event producer for international content. I view my role as transcending the conventional boundaries of East Asian artistic representation in the U.S. I am dedicated to crafting unforgettable live performances that not only entertain but also offer an oasis from the everyday. My job is to act as a cultural conduit, introducing and integrating East Asian talents into the rich tapestry of the American entertainment scene. Through these efforts, I aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation between diverse cultures, enriching the American entertainment landscape with the vibrant hues of East Asian artistry.
Q2: In 2023, you successfully planned and executed the first-ever Mandarin stand-up comedy tour in North America, which garnered significant attention. Can you share your experience planning and executing this tour? What challenges did you face, and what insights did you gain from it?
E.K: Planning and executing the first-ever Mandarin stand-up comedy tour in North America, amidst challenging Sino-American relations, was a groundbreaking endeavor. Our goal was to introduce Chinese culture through stand-up comedy, a quintessentially American entertainment form. Despite linguistic and cultural challenges, the tour was a resounding success. With sold-out shows in Seattle, San Jose, Los Angeles, and New York, drawing over 20,000 attendees, and generating a significant online buzz of over a hundred million on Chinese social media platforms. Additional performances in Canada underscored the universal appeal of humor and its potential for fostering cultural exchange. This journey highlighted the vital role of creative translation and adaptation in overcoming cultural divides, affirming that laughter indeed serves as a universal language that unites diverse audiences.
Q3: For Asian American audiences in the United States, it has often been challenging to find entertainment events that resonate with their cultural preferences and meets their needs. What prompted your recognition of the underserved market for live performances featuring East Asian artists?
E.K: The realization of an underserved market for live performances featuring East Asian artists stemmed from observing the significant lack of representation and opportunities for these talents on international stages. Despite the community’s rich and diverse artistry, there was a noticeable gap in their presence on the global entertainment scene. Initially, my first startup aimed to connect over three hundred thousand Chinese students in the U.S. with a piece of home. However, as we hosted more events, it became evident that the content we brought from East Asia to North America resonated not only with the Asian community but also appealed broadly to Americans, eliciting joy and fulfillment among diverse audiences. This endeavor was not just about filling a gap in the market; it was about fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of East Asian culture among diverse audiences.
Q4: As a co-founder of Getaway Growth, an NGO dedicated to providing young individuals with international learning opportunities and promoting cross-cultural exchanges, could you share any heartwarming stories or anecdotes?
E.K: Sure, a little background on our non-profit first. Getaway Growth was founded based on the personal growth experiences of our founding members during international travel. The founding team recognized the gap in educational and personal growth accessible to underserved youth. We believe that access to international experiences is essential for underserved communities, as immersion in diverse cultures offers invaluable educational benefits.
A particularly heartwarming story comes from our first cohort. One student, facing a future limited to minimum-wage jobs post-high school due to a lack of direction, joined our program in Kenya. This experience didn’t just help her find her cultural identity; it reignited her hope and motivation for the future, encouraging her to actively pursue college applications. Her story inspired us to introduce a six-month pre-departure workshop and assign a dedicated mentor to each student, aiming for a lasting impact tailored to their individual needs.
Our third cohort is now open for applications. If you’re an underserved teenager interested in broadening your horizons or if you know someone who might be, feel free to visit our website!
Q5: Have your current pursuits, including founding Cloudgate Entertainment and Getaway Growth, remained true to your original aspirations? How do you manage to balance your roles in these two distinct fields?
E.K: Cloudgate Entertainment and Getaway Growth both embody my original aspirations of promoting cultural exchange and understanding. While Cloudgate focuses on the entertainment aspect, bringing East Asian culture to the forefront of the American entertainment scene, Getaway Growth tackles cultural exchange through education. Balancing roles in these distinct yet interconnected fields comes naturally, as both aim to foster a world where cultural differences are not just acknowledged but celebrated. My passion for nurturing young talent and facilitating cross-cultural dialogue serves as the common thread that aligns these endeavors.
Q6: I’ve noticed that you’ve organized plenty large-scale concert events this year, some featuring highly acclaimed artists. What are your plans for this year? Could you share us some details?
E.K: This year, in collaboration with our partners, we’ve already facilitated over ten concerts for Hong Kong singers in the U.S. Moving forward, our focus remains on delivering diverse and innovative performances to North American audiences. We’re venturing into traditional drama, seeking to blend familiar narrative structures with unique artistic expressions like Peking opera, and planning music festivals centered around independent bands. Our aim is to refresh traditional formats for global audiences, enhancing their appreciation of East Asian art forms and deepening cultural exchange.
Q7: You’ve been actively involved in cross-cultural communication efforts, playing a key role in breaking down cultural barriers. Based on your observations and experience, how do you perceive the current state of intercultural exchange? What are your expectations for the future?
E.K: The current state of intercultural exchange is promising, with increasing opportunities for dialogue and understanding across cultural boundaries. However, challenges remain in overcoming stereotypes and misconceptions. I believe in the power of art and education to transcend boundaries and bring people together, fostering a global community that values diversity and mutual respect. The future I envision is one where intercultural exchange is not just occasional encounters but an ongoing, integral part of our lives, enriching us all.
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