Mahjong Social with Mahjong Mistress
An afternoon of film, play, and connection centered around the enduring, ever-evolving game of mahjong, a tile-based game involving skill, strategy, and luck.
Known for their sold-out, high-energy gatherings, Mahjong Mistress bring their signature blend of play, community, and cultural perspective to the Hammer. Whether you’ve never touched a tile or have been playing for years, this is a chance to learn, play, and meet new people.
The program begins with a screening of Edward Yang’s Mahjong (1996), a fast-moving portrait of Taipei in the ’90s where every interaction feels like a high-stakes game.
After the film, the action shifts from screen to table with an open mahjong session in the Hammer's courtyard for all experience levels. Mahjong Mistress instructors will be on hand to teach beginners, while experienced players can jump right into the mix. Expect a lively, social atmosphere with shared tables, new connections, and a little friendly competition.
Mahjong Mistress will also debut a selection of limited-edition merchandise, extending their visual language beyond the table.
Schedule
1:30PM Screening: Mahjong (dir. Edward Yang, 1996)
3-6:30PM Majong Mistress open mahjong session
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Mahjong Mistress
Bio
Mahjong Mistress is composed of four “Mistresses”—Susan Kounlavongsa, Angie Lin, Zoé Blue M, and Abby Yingtong Wu. These four friends, each from different cultural and creative backgrounds, were brought together by their shared love of Chinese mahjong. What began as a way to share the game with friends has evolved into a collective dedicated to fostering cultural connection and conversation through mahjong. Through events and collaborations with AAPI creatives and cultural institutions, they aim to cultivate a new generation of mahjong players. Through the Hammer’s Artist Residency program, Mahjong Mistress will have the space and time to engage in research, engage with the UCLA community, and gain access to a range of archives and other resources around Southern California.
ATTENDING THIS PROGRAM?
Ticketing: Admission is free. Your seat will be assigned to you when you pick up your ticket at the box office. Seats are assigned on a first come, first served basis, limit one per visitor. Box office opens one hour before the event.
Member Benefit: Subject to availability, Hammer Members can choose their preferred seats and pick up tickets for one additional guest. Members receive priority ticketing until 15 minutes before the program. Learn more about membership.
Parking: Self-parking is available under the museum. Rates are $8 for the first three hours with museum validation, and $3 for each additional 20 minutes, with a $22 daily maximum. There is an $8 flat rate after 5 p.m. on weekdays, and all day on weekends.
Press: If you are a member of the press and are interested in attending and covering the program, please email Santiago Pazos at spazos@hammer.ucla.edu for accommodations.
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♿ Accessibility information
All public programs are free and made possible by a major gift from an anonymous donor.
Major support is provided by Susan Bay Nimoy and Leonard Nimoy, and the Elizabeth Bixby Janeway Foundation. Additional support is provided by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and all Hammer members.
Digital presentation of Hammer public programs is made possible by The Billy and Audrey L. Wilder Foundation.
Hammer public programs are presented online in partnership with the #KeepThePromise campaign—a movement promoting social justice and human rights through the arts.