Editor’s Note

Welcome to another issue of Ricepaper, Canada’s only quarterly dedicated to Asian Canadian Arts and Culture. The theme for the issue you’re about to read is “Diversity / Hybridity,” which may seem rather obvious for a literary-cultural magazine like Ricepaper. As we all know, the Asian Canadian community, and Canadians by-and-large, are not a homogenous group; rather, we are diverse in age, interests, income, sexual orientation and beliefs. In many ways, this issue is dedicated to considering the ways in which cultural heritage intersects with other social and political realities. Through the wonder of the word, we’re somehow able to capture the essence and complex negotiations in between the places: “east/west” – “straight/gay” – “Asian/Canadian” – “here/there.”

In this issue, you’ll find a range of literary genres and styles. Teilhard Paradela interviews noted author and playwright C.E. Gatchalian, whose body of work continues to bring forth issues relevant to contemporary society; in addition to the interview, we are pleased to publish excerpts from Gatchalian’s forthcoming play, Falling In Time. By extension, Donna Seto encourages readers to consider the state of our country’s immigration policy with “Legal Limbo: Revisiting Canada’s Approach to Refugees,” a thoughtful critique that examines how refugees are being treating here and abroad. Mark J. Manner shares his short story, “A Mixture of Things,” a compelling but quirky conversation about cultural hybridity that takes place next to a hotdog stand! Justin Tse speaks with Pastor Ken Shigematsu about his spiritual leadership at Tenth Church of Vancouver. Last but not least, we are honored to showcase excerpts from Valerie Sing Turner’s Confessions of the Other Women, a play that will see its premiere in 2012.

As usual, we include a healthy dose of critical reflections, including a book review of Jen Sookfong Lee’s The Better Mother, and a visual art review of Inuit Prints: Japanese Inspirations, a touring exhibition that was recently mounted at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC.

Perhaps it goes without saying, but here is another friendly reminder: should you have any suggestions or feedback, critical or otherwise, please let us know. We are here to expose, document and analyze the diverse and prolific output of Asian Canadian artists and writers, and we are constantly looking for ways to best serve our community.

On behalf of the team, thank you for your considered readership–enjoy!

Best,

Eury Chang

Editor, Ricepaper magazine