First Voice | Brenda Wong Aoki and Mark Izu

Since 1976, Brenda Wong Aoki and Mark Izu have created multi-disciplinary work that has received national and international acclaim. First Voice was founded in 1995 to provide a structure for their collaborations, which center on the creation of contemporary American art by working in and adapting non-Western theatrical, musical, and spoken word traditions. First Voice weaves symbols, parables, and shared intent between people together to create universal understanding. Our work has garnered Emmys, Dramalogue Awards, Critic Circle Awards, Indie Awards, Goldies, Certificates of Merit from the California State Legislature, San Francisco Mayor, Board of Supervisors and commissions from U.S. Congress, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Japanese Department of Cultural Affairs, the Asian Arts Council, the Rockefeller Foundation, the U.S. Japan Friendship, Meet-the-Composer, the Gerbode Foundation, the Dramatist Guild and the American Association of Authors, Composers and Publishers.