In his first full length play in ten years, playwright David Henry Hwang combines autobiographical truth with fiction in the Center Theatre Group’s production of “Yellow Face” at the Mark Taper Forum. The piece serves as one of Hwang’s most vulnerable works as it grapples with his professional and personal struggles as well as the social construct of race. Hwang makes a bold move in choosing to write himself into the play. In doing so, he adds a touch of humility and humor despite the weight of these issues.
The play begins when David Henry Hwang (Hoon Lee) mistakenly casts Marcus (Peter Scanavino) a Caucasian, in the role of an Asian man in his 1993 Broadway flop, “Face Value”. After receiving horrific reviews, the show closes before it officially opens to the public. Even so, Marcus chooses to identify himself as an Asian American in order to gain fame. Hwang serves as witness to Marcus’ sudden success as an “Asian American” actor and his increasing involvement as an activist. Simultaneously, Hwang touches on allegations of money-laundering against Far East National Bank, his father’s company.
As these events unfold, there is constant emphasis placed upon the Asian idea of “face”. This concept focuses on how our face reveals who we truly are. Hwang adds that face is not equivalent to race.
As a character, Hwang struggles with his own identity as an Asian American. His reputation as a role model for Asian Americans is consistently at stake. Yet in the end, he ultimately must choose between his reputation and his own blood. “Yellow Face” dares to differentiate the real person from the mask.
“It’s part fact, part fiction and yet on some level, all truth” says the show’s Artistic Director, Michael Ritchie. And truth it is. It discusses issues of race, individuality, personal agenda, and purpose. The perspective and message is extremely clear and well represented.
Hwang’s message against stereotyping is reflected within the cast as well. With a strong seven member ensemble, the piece shows off the actors’ versatility and cohesiveness. Tzi Ma particularly stands out in his portrayal of numerous characters including Hwang’s father and B.D. Wong. Similarly, Kathryn A. Layng’s role as Jane Krakowski is undeniably amusing. With only a minimalist set of seven chairs, the ensemble works to establish each separate environment and relationship.
The cast for “Yellow Face” includes (in alphabetical order) Julienne Hanzelka Kim, Kathryn A. Layng, Hoon Lee, Tzi Ma, Lucas Caleb Rooney, Peter Scanavino and Tony Torn. Directed by Leigh Silverman, “Yellow Face” features set design by David Korins, costume design by Myung Hee Cho, lighting design by Donald Holder, with sound design by Darron West. Casting is by Jordan Thaler / Heidi Griffiths and Erika Sellin. The production stage manager is James T. McDermott.
“Yellow Face” functions as a play with intense social commentary on race and manages to entertain its audience. It provides moments of light-hearted laughter as well as extremely poignant and meaningful insight and values. Theatre is supposed to challenge our own thoughts and ideas with that of others and Hwang’s “Yellow Face” truly succeeds in doing so.
“Yellow Face” by, David Henry Hwang Directed by, Leigh Silverman. A co-production of Center Theatre Group and The Public Theater in association with East West Players
World Premiere
Dates/Times:
Plays May 20th through July 1st, 2007.
Regular Performances (beginning May 22):
Tues. through Sat. at 8 p.m.; Sun. at 7:30 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. matinees at 2:30 p.m.
No performances on Mondays.
Exception: No public performances Tue., Jun. 5 through Fri., Jun. 8.
Ticket Info:
Ticket Prices: Previews – $30-$40; Regular Performances – $42-$55
Tickets are currently available by calling Center Theatre Group Audience Services at (213)628-2772 , in person at the Center Theatre Group box office or on-line at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.
Hot Tix:
Sponsored by American Express, Hot Tix at $20 each can be purchased in advance or, subject to availability, on the day of performance at the box office (cash or American Express only). Groups: (213) 972-7231 .
Deaf community: information & charge, TDD: (213) 680-4017 .
LOCATION: Center Theatre Group / Mark Taper Forum at the Music Center
135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A.
