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Fresh off an ambitious new project, recent grad John Jiang ('24) reflects on the power of language, community, and meaningful storytelling. His latest production, Of Ashes and Souls, marked his first opportunity to perform entirely in Mandarin. John opens up about his artistic journey, the importance of visibility, and what’s next on his path as an actor.

The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

We’re excited to hear about the show you just wrapped. What can you tell us about it?

Of Ashes and Souls is a show inspired by a video game with nine characters and a 35-minute-long track of characters conversing in different rooms. Through some repetition, you figure out who’s who and uncover relationships. It’s a murder mystery game. The writers adapted this story so well…I enjoyed reading the script for the first time, even though I didn’t quite get it. [Laughs.]

It’s a production entirely in Mandarin. After 10 years here, I’ve never really been able to perform in my mother tongue. I sent a self-tape, a monologue in my language, for the audition. For the callback, there were no assigned characters; we worked on viewpoint exercises and improv, and focused on building an ensemble. It was an exploration for us to create that sense of family and community. I’m grateful for it and grateful that everything led me to this point.

How was your experience in the third-year Company program.

I cannot stress enough how much I appreciate the company program. It allowed me to build on the foundations of the first two years and put things into practice. It really helped me gain confidence that I can do this. I remember the eight-week series for TV; every week, there were new sides to memorize, prepare, and go in for. It helped me adjust to the workflow and constant switching between scripts.

The importance of representation in entertainment: the floor is yours.

I feel very lucky for the work of generatins of people before me. Bruce Lee really established a whole genre of movies, with kung fu, that was at the center of attention for a brief period. Hollywood opened the door for him, and then you get Jackie Chan. You see one or two people standing out, but not a wider realization on a cultural level. I see a lot more Asian and Asian American representation on screen and on stage. Broadway shows are much more inclusive, and when Michelle Yeoh won the Oscar, I was confident that the industry was changing.

We’re at a time when so much of the hard work has started to pay off. I’m happy to hop on this ride and show people what my culture is about. Stories are being told authentically, and with a welcome and embracing arm. I see people breaking the barrier and speaking up.

Is that how you see art having an impact?

100%. Just having someone on stage who looks like me, consciously or unconsciously, is felt. You have that reflection of what this represents…it doesn’t need to be everyone, just a sense of equality. We all have a story to tell, and our stories deserve to be heard. We can support each other with accurate representation.

I love your idealistic spirit. The big question: Why did you become an actor?

I’m an attention seeker. [Laughs.] My parents were very busy when I was a kid, so I didn’t get as much time with them. I had to show them what cool things I was doing.

In English class, my teacher had me read some paragraphs from a book. She said, “Why don’t you give theatre a shot? Come audition for Peter Pan.”

It was the first place where I felt like it didn’t matter where I was from. That connection and community–that family support—welcomes you with open arms. You get to have a voice. It was such a safe place for me, and it continues on. Their recent production of The Addams Family showcased the diversity of the program, which made me so happy.

I want to make a difference.

You certainly are. It’ll be exciting to see where you go. What’s next for you, and where can people find out more about you?

You can find me next at the Rogue Theater Festival at the Flea Theater this summer, where I will be performing in an original story about a Taiwanese-American who deals with generational trauma against the backdrop of a potential war.

John is active on Instagram, where he regularly posts about ongoing projects.