At just 18 years old, Asian American actor Mason Yang is already making waves and challenging conventions in the theater world. He is currently starring in the lead role of Jim Hawkins in the Children’s Theatre Company’s production of “Treasure Island” in Minneapolis—a role rarely portrayed by an Asian actor.
Yang’s journey to the stage is deeply rooted in his family’s history and his own resilience in an industry where Asian representation is still growing.
Mason Yang (right) stars as Jim Hawkins in the Children’s Theater Company’s production of “Treasure Island.”
A Legacy of Storytelling and Resilience
Yang’s first inspiration for performance came from his grandfather, who would tell captivating stories about his experiences in the “Secret War” in Laos. “The way he told the stories was just so captivating,” Yang shared. “His tone and the way he told the stories was great.”
Yang’s grandparents were among the thousands of Hmong refugees who resettled in the United States following the Vietnam War. Growing up as a third-generation Hmong American in Minnesota, Yang was acutely aware of the lack of Asian faces in media, especially in theater.
“I know there are more Asian American faces that are now in media, but I could probably still count the number of actors off of my hand, especially in theater,” he said. “It definitely is disheartening. [But] just to see where we are now from where we used to be is inspiring to me.”
Finding Himself in a Classic Adventurer
In “Treasure Island,” the classic 1883 adventure novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, Yang plays the young protagonist Jim Hawkins, who gets swept up in a world of pirates and treasure. While he enjoys the thrilling swordplay, Yang connects with his character on a much deeper level.
“He faces with grappling with his idealism and optimism and reality of the world,” Yang explained. “I also really try to be like an optimistic person and see the best in people… Jim also has to see these gray areas and the nuances of the world and learn to navigate those gray areas, and I relate to that a lot.”
Mason Yang (second from left) in a scene from “Treasure Island.”
A Decade on the Stage and a Future of Possibilities
Yang’s theatrical journey began a decade ago, almost by accident. His mother signed him up for a local play with a friend. Although the friend backed out, his mother’s insistence that it was “too late” to quit set him on a life-changing path. “Ten years in theater,” he reflected. “That’s crazy… this has been with me.”
While juggling rehearsals, performances, and college applications, Yang dreams of pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater. His ambitions, however, don’t stop at acting. He hopes to one day direct, choreograph, and even work backstage, embracing the collaborative spirit of theater.
Most importantly, he hopes to be an inspiration for other young Asian actors. “I can be the charge,” he said, “and show these young Asian actors that they can be talented.”
The play runs until October 19. You can follow the artist’s journey on Instagram at @yasonmang.
