Performing Asian America: Race and Ethnicity on the Contemporary Stage (Asian American History & Cultu) [Paperback]

Josephine Lee (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 25, 1998 | Series: Asian American History & Cultu

At a time when Asian-American theater is enjoying a measure of growth and success, Josephine Lee tells us about the complex social and political issues depicted by Asian-American playwrights. By looking at performances and dramatic texts, Lee argues that playwrights produce a different conception of 'Asian-America' in accordance with their unique set of sensibilities. For instance, some Asian-American playwrights critique the separation of issues of race and ethnicity from those of economics and class, or they see ethnic identity as a voluntary choice of lifestyle rather than an impetus for concerted political action. Others deal with the problem of cultural stereotypes and how to reappropriate their power. Lee is attuned to the complexities and contradictions of such performances, and her trenchant thinking about the criticisms lobbed at Asian-American playwrights-for their choices in form, perpetuation of stereotype, or apparent sexism or homophobia-leads her to question how the presentation of Asian-American identity in the theater parallels problems and possibilities of identity offstage as well. Discussed are better-known plays such as Frank Chin's "The Chickencoop Chinaman", David Henry Hwang's "M. Butterfly", and Velina Hasu Houston's "Tea", and new works like Jeannie Barroga's "Walls" and Wakako Yamauchi's "12-1-a". Author note: Josephine Lee is Assistant Professor of English at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

A fascinating inquiry into the territory of race and ethnicity in American theater --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Josephine Lee is Assistant Professor of English at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 241 pages
• Publisher: Temple University Press (March 25, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566396379
• ISBN-13: 978-1566396370
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #689,743 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars limited history of roles, July 10, 2008

By 

W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Performing Asian America: Race and Ethnicity on the Contemporary Stage (Asian American History & Cultu) (Paperback)

On the American stage, Lee contends that a relatively underserved topic has been the Asian American experience. As expressed in the ethnicity of the actors or in the subject material. Her book fleshes out in much detail this thesis.

Describing the paucity of roles available to Asian actors, for example.

To the extent that Asians have been depicted on stage, she also delves into how these roles were often stereotypical. Rarely did two things happen. That an Asian role would appear in a play. And that the role would be meaningful and original.