Outstanding Graduate Student: Aika Tsuda, Theatre Arts

As an international student from Japan, Aika Tsuda has proven herself to be a remarkable talent with a relentless drive to bridge cultural divides through the power of translation and dramaturgy. Her dedication and passion for her craft led her to be named the Outstanding Graduate Student in Theatre Arts in 2024.

For her final project, Tsuda undertook the challenge of translating a Japanese musical called “Play a Life” into English. Through this process, she explored the nuances of translating musical theatre and examined how a translator can not only convey words between languages but also enhance the production with cultural context and storytelling.

Her dual role as a translator and dramaturg allowed her to meticulously research Japanese and American cultures, ensuring that the essence of the musical was preserved in the translation. 

Tsuda is driven by a desire to be a translator who can grasp the dramatic intricacies of a play and connect creators and audiences on a profound level. “Whenever I am working as a dramaturg or a translator, my goal is to build a bridge over the gap, especially between Japan and the US, not only between languages but also, between cultures,” she said.

Her ultimate goal is to utilize theatre as a tool for communication, showcasing diverse perspectives and promoting empathy and kindness across borders.

During her time at SDSU, Tsuda thrived in an environment that encouraged critical thinking and diverse viewpoints. “Studying with classmates who had various backgrounds and had knowledge in different areas of theatre made the classes more interesting and gave me chances to think critically,” she said. “Talking to other people and working with others throughout the creation process made me realize my strengths and weaknesses.”

Tsuda acknowledged that one challenge was a lack of knowledge of American history. “Whenever I read the plays, there was almost always something I could not understand because I did not know American culture or history which are common knowledge for people who grew up in the US. However, everyone at SDSU was so kind that everyone always explained and taught me what I did not know as an international student,” she said.

As Tsuda embarks on the next chapter of her career journey, she leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, and a relentless striving towards goals despite challenges or setbacks.

Her advice to fellow students to engage with professors and peers echoes her own transformative experience at SDSU, emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge, fostering diverse perspectives, and embracing the power of community.