Asian American Plays: Chinese, Japanese & Korean

Trying to Find Chinatown by David Henry Hwang (1 Act)

Ronnie, a Chinese American, is playing his violin on the street in the Lower East Side of New York. His clothing is from the 60s and he has piercings. Benjamin, a blond tourist from the Midwest, stops to listen for a while. Benjamin asks for directions to an address in Chinatown, which upsets Ronnie. They get into a discussion about ethnic identity.

FOB by David Henry Hwang (2 Acts)

Three Chinese-Americans—first-generation Grace, second-generation Dale, and “fresh-off-the-boat” Steve—have differing attitudes about their identities and how much Chinese-Americans should assimilate with American culture. Dale and Steve are both interested in Grace, who also has issues with the male dominance in both Chinese and American culture.

The Wash by Philip Kan Gotanda

Masi has left her husband, Nobu, after 42 years, and starts seeing another man, Sadao. Nobu has traditional values and beliefs about the role of women, while Sadao is more open. Masi still does Nobu’s laundry. Their two daughters have differing views on the split.

Kimchee and Chitlins by Elizabeth Wong

Reporter Suzie Seeto covers a story of a clash between Koreans and Black people in Harlem. The locals have boycotted the Korean-owned store. Suzie investigates to find out what really happened. She encounters much stereotyping and racial hatred on both sides.