Aurora Adachi-Winter is a Bi-racial Actress in Chicago

INTRODUCTION

Aurora Adachi-Winter is a bi-racial actress in Chicago playing the role of a bi-racial political activist in the play MUTT running through February 14, 2016. MUTT is a dark comedy about race, homosexuality, political corruption and other contemporary issues you want to see tackled on stage. The Republican Party decides its best chance for success in the 2016 presidential election is to back a candidate of white and Asian descent. A blisteringly funny satire that skewers not only the elephants in the room but the donkeys too, Mutt burns down the entire house of racial cards. MUTT is co-produced by Stage Left Theatre & Red Tape Theatre. Learn more about MUTT and purchase tickets here.

WHAT'S YOUR PERSONAL STORY?

I'm a hapa born and raised in Chicago. I'm half Japnese and half white mutt. My parents are both in the arts and always encouraged my dream to be an actor. Growing up mixed in American can be very difficult. For most of my childhood I tried to avoid my Japanese heritage. It just seemed easier to be white. As I got older I was able to appreciate all that being Asain was and now it's something I embrace and love.

WHAT'S YOUR CHARACTER STORY IN "MUTT"?

Hanna is also a hapa. It doesn't specify in the script what kind of Asian she is, but I made her Japanese like me. Hanna is incredibly smart and hopefully. She sees the injustice in the world and watch to change that for herself and for future generations. She'll do just about anything to solve racism in America.

WHAT CHALLENGES DOES YOUR CHARACTER FACE TELLING THIS STORY?

Hanna faces many challenges. First, just getting the Republicans to acknowledge that that even have a problem with race. Then sexism. They homophobia. She ends up being fired by the Republicans for being a lesbian. Later she thinks she can still reach her goals by going to the Democrats and then the Progressives. None of these work out because the system is just wrecked. Everyone is just playing the game, and the game is all about money.

HOW DOES YOUR CHARACTER OVERCOME THOSE CHALLENGES?

Hanna does all she can to change the system. She's always motivated and looking the next answer. But, the system eats her alive.

ANY LAST COMMENTS?

MUTT is a fantastic play. It is so smart and makes you think about race. I always say, the real show is our dressing room. We're so diverse and represent so many minorities in America. But we have tough conversations and are always accepting of people's ideas and opinions but aren't afraid to call each other out.