Review: THE CHINESE LADY at Open Eye Theatre

In 1834, Afong Moy, then just 14 years old, was brought from Guangzhou to America, where she was prominently featured as the "Chinese Lady." Over the following decades, she participated in a spectacle that both defined and challenged her own sense of identity, all while witnessing remarkable transformations within the United States. Playwright Lloyd Suh draws inspiration from the true story of the first Chinese woman to immigrate to America, unveiling a concealed chapter of history and prompting us to reconsider the way we perceive ourselves and others.

By Lloyd Suh
Director – Eric Sharp
Associate Director – Emma Y. Lai
Performers – Katie Bradley* & Michael Sung Ho
Lighting Designer – Kathy Maxwell
Costume Designer – Mathew LeFebvre
Sound and Music Designers – Montana Johnson and Gao Hong
Movement – Hui Wilcox
Set Designer – Joel Sass

This was a wonderful production. Throughout the 75 minutes, Lloyd Suh takes us through a journey  of Asian American historical storytelling. Katie Bradley and Michael Sung Ho are the two performers. Katie Bradley plays Afong Moy who's character faces many challenges as a Chinese immigrating to the United States and being on "display," for the American people to learn about Chinease Asian American culture. 

The costumes were intricate and beautiful, adding to the overall aesthetic of the production. The set design created an intimate atmosphere with its exquisite Chinese architectural elements.The script delved into dark themes at times, but it's a crucial storytelling aspect. It was truly fascinating to witness the actors and their characters undergo transitions and transformations throughout the show.

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