Specially Processed American Me, an autobiographical performance by Jaime Sunwoo, delves into her Asian-American upbringing and her family's encounters with the Korean War through the unconventional lens of SPAM, the canned meat. This surreal piece examines the military's association with SPAM, its importance in the Asia-Pacific region, and its impact on Asian cuisine; employing music, shadow play, and cooking as creative mediums. With a blend of humor and somber tragedy, Specially Processed American Me offers a captivating and thought-provoking journey into the complexities surrounding one of America's often misunderstood culinary staples.

The Korea Society is proud to sponsor a special film screening of the theatrical production of Specially Processed American Me at Flushing Town Hall. The event will include a talkback reflecting on the Korean War and how it impacts us today, using themes from the film as a starting point. The film will be subtitled in Korean to make it accessible to Korean speaking audiences and Spam dishes from local Korean restaurants will be served.

The filmed theatrical production of Specially Processed American Me was produced by Free Rein Projects and made with support from Asian Women Giving Circle. Event sponsors include Korean American Family Service Center, The Korea Society, WomanKind, The Association of Asian American Yale Alumni, Leviathan Lab, Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, REACH Coalition, and our space sponsor Flushing Town Hall.

About the Artist:

Jaime Sunwoo, a Korean American artist based in Brooklyn, New York, engages in a wide range of artistic disciplines including visual art, theater, film, and public art. Through her creative endeavors, she intertwines personal narratives with global histories, employing surreal storytelling techniques. Sunwoo pursued her art education at Yale University and has participated as a fellow with esteemed organizations such as Ping Chong and Company and The Laundromat Project.