‘Chinese Republicans’ Review: These Women Are Playing to Win
6 / 10
For a satire, “Chinese Republicans” is told disappointingly straight. Stiffly mounted, it doesn’t fully explore its own extremes, especially in Ellen’s swings of behavior and belief. The formation and dynamics of a group of true “Chinese Republicans” would make for a more intriguing show. Instead the play fillets its important, though well-worn, themes of racism and misogyny rather than examining the grit and nuance of characters and relationships. However, a quietly powerful final scene — revealing the reassertion of white patriarchy alongside one character’s weary determination to maintain her place within it — means “Chinese Republicans” concludes with a resonantly meaningful thud.
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