2021 was a historical year for people of the asian diaspora living in america. 

this year taught me how to listen closely for my ancestors - the ones that crossed oceans, the ones that were homesick, the ones that built new homes. 

especially in the wake of the massage parlor shootings in atlanta, this year taught me in such visceral ways that not all of my ancestors are bound by blood. i felt a permission - a sacred demand - to learn and to hear their stories - woven through every door opened, every micro and macro aggression we still need to clench our teeth through. all of the ancestors that endured in order to make my survival in white america possible. 
 

Its been an honor and a privilege to make my re-entry into live theater with an entirely asian cast to tell the forgotten story of afong moy - the first chinese woman to ever step foot in america in 1834. 
 

this is the first fully asian cast I have ever been a part of - its been a profound gift and journey to have creative control to tell afong moy's story, our story, with the nuance and fullness of humanity she has always deserved. it is healing to bask in all that does not need to be said to be said. 

the show is open for one more week in philly - it would be an honor to share with you. 

we bow our heads to you, Afong Moy.