The Chinese Lady

Written by Lloyd Suh
Directed by Shinshin Yuder Tsai

Awards and Recognition

  • The New York Times CRITIC'S PICK
  • REGIONAL PREMIERE

Reviewer Quotes

“ by the end of Mr. Suh’s extraordinary play, we look at Afong and see whole centuries of American history ”

The New York Times

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Executive Producers

Gus & Mary Chabre
Sophie & Larry Cripe
Samuel & Tammy Tang

Supporting Producer
Bruce Goodrich
Executive Season Producers

Bette & Wylie Aitken

Associate Season Producers
The Family of Mary Kay Fyda-Mar

On the Cripe Stage… 

In 1834, 16-year-old Afong Moy, the first Chinese woman to set foot in America, sailed into New York Harbor to be featured in a museum. She sees herself as a representative of China, here to educate and entertain. Or, in the eyes of the paying public, is she merely a display to be mesmerized by? Moving and sharply funny, this play follows the idealistic Moy as she travels through America as a living exhibit for decades. Over the course of her travels, The Chinese Lady shares her impressions of a young country struggling to define itself. Inspired by a true story, Lloyd Suh’s critically acclaimed play, The Chinese Lady, is a poetic, whimsical tale that paints a unique portrait of the United States as seen through the eyes of this remarkable young Chinese girl.

“Moving & Sharply Funny!… piercing and intimate… this quiet play steadily deepens in complexity as we trail the idealistic Afong and the more knowing Atung through the decades… by the end of Mr. Suh’s extraordinary play, we look at Afong and see whole centuries of American history”The New York Times

“It takes only minutes of The Chinese Lady to see that…playwright Lloyd Suh [has] constructed the dramatic equivalent of a perfect cabinet. Every hinge moves smoothly; the herringbone joins are a low-key marvel. You can almost see yourself in its hard-won polish…Suh’s version of Afong Moy is wonderful.”Time Out New York


Show artwork designed by KC Wilkerson, kcwdigital.com.


 

This play touches on mature themes of racism and trauma that may be challenging for some audiences.

Special Events:

  • Community Night

  • LGBTQIA+ Night


COMMUNITY NIGHT

Join us before and after the performance for a happy hour and get to know our community partners. Schedule is subject to change. Date TBD starting at 7:00PM.
  • 7:00 PM - Mingling in the Chance lobby over light bites and Happy Hour drinks. Be sure to meet our Community Partners!
  • 8:00 PM - The Chinese Lady begins! We can't wait for you to see this performance!
  • 9:45 PM - Participate in a post-show conversation with the Cast and our Community Partner.
  • 10:15 PM - Don't leave just yet! We have a second round of bites and drinks.
  • 11:00 PM - Last call! The event comes to an end.

LGBTQIA+ NIGHT

Join us for our LGBTQIA+ nights, where theater lovers who share an identity can connect over refreshments and conversation before enjoying a performance. Schedule is subject to change. Date TBD starting at 7:00 PM.
  • 7:00 PM - Mingling in the Chance lobby over light bites and Happy Hour drinks.
  • 8:00 PM - The Chinese Lady begins! We can't wait for you to see this performance!
  • 9:45 PM - Participate in a post-show conversation with the Cast and each other.
  • 10:15 PM - Don't leave just yet! We have a second round of bites and drinks.
  • 11:00 PM - Last call! The event comes to an end.
 
Are you part of a Community Organization? Contact us at [email protected] for information on special discounts and fundraising opportunities.
 

Articles & Reviews

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Audience Buzz

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Venue Bette Aitken theater arts Center

Bette Aitken theater arts Center
5522 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA  92807
More Information Get Directions
Venue Amenities
  • Full-Service Bar
  • Free Parking
  • Conveniently Located

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At a Glance

Approximate Running Time:
1 hour, 20 minutes with no intermissions
Special Notes: