“Though my work has many cultural, social, and political elements I focus on language. How language can create emotion, bridge the gap of communication, and fuel inspiration is the heart of my work.” – Hannah Ii-Epstein, Artist Statement
Work Produced both in Hawaii and the mainlandHer work is presented throughout the Chicagoland area and Hawaii, working with Kumu Kahua Theatre, Nothing Without a Company, About Face Theatre, Fury Theatre’s Short Attention Span Theatre (SAST) Festival, and many more. She is also a film writer in which her film, “Sweet” won Best Film Runner Up, in Chicago’s 48-Hour Film Project in 2015. She was also featured in Chicago’s Windy City Times’ 30 Under 30 Awards in 2014.
A Reference to HerselfFun fact: Hannah’s nickname in high school was Bonnie Bone-her, which is referenced in Not One Batu. You can find out more about her on iiepstein.com/hannah
An Interview with the Playwright |
Hannah Ii-Epstein“My mission is to use the written word to educate and create change in individuals based on emotions felt through reading or seeing my work. My goal is to open dialogue or start conversations by pushing topics people find uncomfortable or taboo to the surface, ultimately making an individual embrace change in their outlook of life.”
-Hannah Ii-Epstein, Playwright Hannah Ii-Epstein (maiden name: Michaelson) was born on September 16th, 1983 (34 years old, pronouns: she/her/hers) in Oahu, HI. She received her B.A. in Fiction Writing at Columbia College Chicago, graduating Summa Cum Laudeand earned her MFA at Northwestern University in Writing for the Screen and Stage. She is a Co-Artistic Director, Board Member, and Founding Member of Nothing Without a Company alongside her wife, Anna Rose Ii-Epstein. A former addict, Hannah used her experience of drug use, especially methamphetamine use, in Not One Batuhoping it achieves a sense of realism. From The Central Oahu Voice, “I noticed a lot of people that live here are just like, ‘Oh, that’s just the one crackhead who lives in that area,’ or whatever, I think it’s really about looking at your surroundings and noticing the people around you – and really how we have to battle this drug because it can’t go anywhere. We’re on an island.” Hannah hopes that Not One Batu reveals how methamphetamine is addressed casually in Hawaii and how society nonchalantly dismisses addicts in these public spaces. “While I use a variety of writing forms each is connected though a snapshot into a character. My aim is to express a moment to change a life.” – Hannah Ii-Epstein, Artist Statement
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