The art world recently lost a vibrant and transformative figure, Diana Oh, a multi-disciplinary artist known for their boundary-breaking work in theater, music, and social activism. On June 17, 2025, Diana Oh, affectionately called “Zaza,” passed away suddenly at the age of 38, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and challenge the status quo. Their work, deeply rooted in queer celebration, social justice, and community building, resonated with audiences globally. This article explores the latest developments surrounding Diana Oh’s life, their groundbreaking contributions, and the impact they left on the arts community.
A Trailblazer in Experimental Theater
Diana Oh was a force of nature in the theater world, known for creating performances that blended music, ritual, and activism. Their most notable work, {my lingerie play}, was a series of ten public installations where Oh and collaborators stood in lingerie to protest rape culture and reclaim personal agency. This project, which culminated in a 2017 Off-Broadway production at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, earned a New York Times Critic’s Pick for its bold feminist and queer protest. The piece was described as a “glitter bomb” of activism, perfectly timed with the #MeToo movement.
Oh’s work didn’t stop at confronting social issues. Their Infinite Love Party was another groundbreaking creation, a barefoot, potluck-style sleepover celebrating queer and trans people of color (QTPOC). Held at the Bushwick Starr, this event fostered connection through dance, music, and open mics, creating a safe space for marginalized communities. These projects showcased Diana Oh’s ability to merge art with healing, making their performances both entertaining and transformative.
Key Milestones in Diana Oh’s Career
| Project | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| {my lingerie play} | Public installations and concert addressing sexual violence and consent. | New York Times Critic’s Pick, amplified #MeToo movement. |
| Infinite Love Party | QTPOC-centered sleepover with potluck, dance, and live music. | Celebrated marginalized voices, fostered community. |
| Clairvoyance | Year-long series with tree-planting and concerts, focusing on queer magic. | Promoted environmental justice and queer identity. |
| Oh Family Concert | Intimate performance exploring Korean-American identity with their mother. | Bridged generational gaps, highlighted immigrant stories. |
Recent Tributes and Community Response
Following Diana Oh’s passing, the arts community has been vocal about their grief and admiration. Social media platforms like Instagram and X have been flooded with tributes from peers, fans, and theaters. The Public Theater, where Oh performed My H8 Letter to the Gr8 American Theatre, described them as a “radiant spirit” whose work “cracked things open.” Posts on X highlighted Oh’s ability to empower everyone in their orbit, with one user noting, “Their lifeforce could fill an entire solar system.” A GoFundMe campaign, organized by friends Rad Pereira and Mirirai Sithole, was updated to support funeral costs for Oh’s brothers, Soobin and Han, reflecting the community’s commitment to honoring their legacy.
Oh was set to perform at the Art Chxrch concert at HERE Arts Center on June 27, 2025, an event that promised to blend vocal harmonies, singing bowls, and drum pads for a healing experience. Though this performance was canceled due to their passing, it underscored Oh’s ongoing commitment to creating spaces of joy and resistance.
Diana Oh’s Broader Impact
Beyond theater, Diana Oh was a musician, actor, and clairvoyant, a title inherited from their South Korean father. Their music, spanning genres like synth rock, soul, and indie acoustic, was featured in projects like Clairvoyance, which combined tree-planting with concerts to promote environmental justice. Oh’s Oh Family Concert, streamed on AllArts.org, explored their Korean-American identity through music and interviews with their mother, June. This project fostered communication across generational divides, offering a poignant look at the immigrant experience.
Oh’s work also reached film and television, with appearances in How to Be Single and the global cult series Queering, which amassed 2.5 million views. Their ability to transcend mediums made them a Refinery29 Top LGBTQ Influencer and the first queer Korean-American interviewed on Korean Broadcast Radio. These achievements highlight Diana Oh’s role as a cultural bridge, amplifying marginalized voices in every space they entered.
Key Points Summary
- Artistic Innovation: Diana Oh created genre-defying works like {my lingerie play} and Infinite Love Party, blending theater, music, and activism.
- Social Impact: Their projects confronted rape culture, celebrated QTPOC communities, and explored Korean-American identity.
- Recent Loss: Oh passed away on June 17, 2025, prompting widespread tributes and a GoFundMe for funeral costs.
- Lasting Legacy: Their work continues to inspire through its focus on healing, joy, and resistance.
A Legacy That Lives On
Diana Oh’s passing has left a void, but their art continues to spark conversations about identity, justice, and community. Their performances were more than shows; they were rituals that invited audiences to heal and celebrate. From planting trees at Harvard to hosting sleepovers for QTPOC, Oh’s work was a call to action for a more inclusive world. The outpouring of love on platforms like Instagram and X shows how deeply they touched lives, with fans and artists alike pledging to carry forward their mission of radical joy.
As the arts community mourns, Oh’s music and performances remain accessible online, offering a chance to experience their magic. Their Patreon, where supporters can access their Underground Newsletter, continues to be a hub for their creative output. Diana Oh’s legacy is a reminder that art can be a powerful tool for change, and their spirit will live on in every performance that dares to challenge and uplift.
Join the movement to honor Diana Oh by exploring their work on platforms like AllArts.org or supporting their Patreon. Share their story to keep their vision of joy and justice alive.