Review “The Chinese Lady” (Timeline Theatre): Captivating!

TimelineTheatre presents the Chicago premiere of THE CHINESE LADY.  

Once upon a time in a land far away, a fourteen year old girl left her family. She traveled on a large ship on her way to a new world. The girl landed in New York in 1834. She became the first Chinese woman to ever come to America. Her name was Afong Moy.

This fairytale notion enchants. A young girl. A voyage. New York. Fame! All the elements are there for a happily ever after ending. Yet, Playwright Lloyd Suh digs deeper into this young woman’s real life experience. He wants to show the girl growing up in the public eye without the benefit of language, family, or even a true way to express her own identity. Although Afong Moy’s personal story has disappeared from history, Suh imagines what her life might have been. He gives her a voice, humor and a growing understanding to grapple with what is happening to her.    

Under the masterful direction of Helen Young, we observe Mi Kang (Afong Moy) age fifty years before our eyes. A superb Kang chronicles her life as ‘The Chinese Lady’. Initially, she is a bright-eyed teenager with romantic notions. She delights in people coming to observe her in an exhibit decorated with faux Chinese elements. She walks for them. She uses chopsticks. Kang dreamily describes herself as an educator and ambassador as she faithfully introduces the Chinese culture. 

Kang is assisted by her ever-present interpreter (played by the steadfast Glenn Obrero). Obrero acts as a guide to help connect people to The Chinese Lady. Kang and Obrero have multiple discussions on being irrelevant. The exchanges start out spirited and playful then pivot to quiet and sobering. At one point, Obrero explains the difference between translating and interpreting. Later, his interpretation demonstration between Afong Moy and President Andrew Jackson is disturbing. And nod out to Obrero for impressively playing both interpreter and President.     

The beauty of this play is the storytelling. Suh wrote the words. Young directs the action. And Kang lives the life! She tethers us to Afong Moy’s awakening over many years. Her narration provides ongoing intimate insight. Kang makes the struggle… between dreams and reality, human and object, Chinese and nothing… palpable. 

Although THE CHINESE LADY is not a fairytale, it certainly is a captivating experience. 

Running Time: Ninety minutes no intermission

Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont

Written by Lloyd Suh 

Directed by Helen Young

Wednesdays, Thursdays at 7:30pm 

Fridays at 8pm 

Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm

Sundays at 2pm

Thru June 18th

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Lara Goetsch 

For more Chicago theatre information and reviews, please visit Theatre in Chicago

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