To Learn More about Asian American Drama
by Elizabeth Wong at West Coast Ensemble Theatre, Los Angeles, CA, opened July 15, 1994. Directed by Ted Lange.
by Ping Chong, Playhouse 91, New York, NY, March 2-7, 1999. Directed by Ping Chong. Starring Muna Tseng.
by Ping Chong, International Festival of Puppet Theater, 1998. Directed by Ping Chong.
by Rick Shiomi, at the Toronto Free Theatre, Toronto, ON, 1983.
by Ping Chong at La MaMa Annex Theater, January 31-February 15, 1997. Directed by Ping Chong.
by Elizabeth Wong, staged at Emory University Theater Lab, Atlanta, GA, September 20-October 4, 2003. Directed by Elizabeth Wong.
Asian American Drama is an online text collection that brings together more than 250 plays, along with related biographical, production, and theatrical information. The collection begins with the works of Sadakichi Hartmann in the late 19th century and progresses to the writings of contemporary playwrights, such as Philip Kan Gotanda, Elizabeth Wong, and Jeannie Barroga.
In the late 19th century, when Asian American drama made its debut, the spotlight was firmly on the lives and struggles of Asians in North America, rather than on the cultures and traditions of the Asian homeland. Today, Asian American playwrights continue to challenge established theatrical conventions by calling attention to issues and experiences that might otherwise be ignored or marginalized.
The plays have relevance well beyond the study of literature, drama, and Asian American studies. They present views of important historical events, such as the construction of the railroads in the 19th century, the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and the Vietnam conflict. The plays also address sociological issues, such as assimilation, integration, and cultural identity in a Western context. The effect of Western religion is also examined. For example, David Henry Hwang’s Family Devotions deals with evangelism and religious identity as experienced by Chinese Americans. By reenacting experiences familiar to audiences, these plays provide opportunities for viewers to examine their own reactions to racism and other experiences of their ethnicity.
Browsing:
As a sub-set of Drama Texts Collection, Asian American Drama has no browse function of its own. Instead, the full-featured "Refine Your Search" filters allow you to access groupings of content.
