Katie Do named inaugural recipient of MRT’s Chau Playwriting Fellowship

Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) proudly announces Katie Do as the first-ever recipient of the Sokhary Chau Playwriting Fellowship for her original play titled “love you long time (already).” The fellowship, named after Sokhary Chau, the first Cambodian American mayor in the United States, aims to support and cultivate authentic narratives that focus on the Southeast Asian experience.

This prestigious fellowship is specifically available to playwrights residing in the U.S. who self-identify as Southeast Asian, as outlined by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Given that Lowell boasts the second-largest Cambodian population in the U.S. and has served as a cultural center for the Southeast Asian diaspora, the Chau Fellowship is dedicated to amplifying these voices and sharing their stories with a wider audience.

Katie Do’s winning play delves into the journey of a Vietnamese mother and daughter as they navigate the challenges of immigrating to America. Courtney Sale, the Nancy L. Donahue Artistic Director at MRT, emphasizes the significance of this fellowship in creating a new body of work for Southeast Asian writers. She underlines the importance of Lowell as an ideal space to craft these narratives and expresses excitement about introducing Katie’s unique voice and perspective to audiences.

Katie Do, a Vietnamese American hailing from New Jersey, brings a wealth of experience to her craft. As an alumnus of the Public’s Emerging Writers Group and the Sống Collective’s Việt Writers Lab, she has showcased her talent through plays like “love you long time (already)” at prominent events such as the Pacific Playwrights Festival and the MixFest at the Atlantic Theater Company. Additionally, Do’s play “who hurt you?” has been developed by reputable organizations such as the Sống Collective, The Public, and Orlando Shakes.

Beyond her accomplishments as a playwright, Katie Do’s creative endeavors extend to screenwriting for Netflix’s “Partner Track” and working with MACRO on upcoming projects. She is also embarking on an MFA in Playwriting at UC San Diego. As an actor, she has appeared in various productions, including “Manifest,” “To All the Boys I Loved Before 3,” and “Mrs. Fletcher.”

The upcoming public reading of Do’s play, following a developmental workshop led by Mei Ann Teo, is scheduled for Saturday, September 6 at 7 p.m. on the Nancy L. Donahue stage at MRT. While tickets are complimentary, reservations are required through the Rockland Trust Box Office.

In conclusion, the establishment of the Sokhary Chau Playwriting Fellowship marks a significant step towards promoting diverse voices and narratives within the theatrical landscape. Katie Do’s recognition as the inaugural recipient exemplifies the commitment of MRT to fostering innovative storytelling and highlighting the rich tapestry of experiences within the Southeast Asian community.