Show #60 "The Clockwork Professor" with SIS Writers Group

By now, I've gone past my original goal of seeing 52 shows during 2010. Quite honestly, the wind has gone out of my sails a bit since then, but sometimes there are events and shows that make the sailboat fly once more.

This show is one of them.

"The Clockwork Professor" is an original script penned by Maggie Lee, a Seattle-based Asian-American playwright who authored the show "Kindred Spirits" that I blogged about this past summer. When I saw "Spirits" last August, I remember thinking how Ms. Lee had a real knack for fun, intriguing story-telling. After seeing this staged reading of "Clockwork," I KNOW she has that gift.

Truth be told, the main reason I came to this reading is because my son Tim is in the cast. But, after seeing this story, Tim's participation became a wonderful bonus to the evening, not simply the main event.

This is a tale that is part sci-fi, part caper flick, part comedy and part steam punk adventure. Put it all together and it is pure, campy fun. (Although I don't really know if Ms. Lee intended it to be campy, but that interpretation by the director only added to my enjoyment.)

"Clockwork" is part of a weekend-long festival called "Insatiable." This is their 5th annual festival showcasing the work of various Asian-American playwrights who are members of the SIS Writers Group in Seattle. And for those who aren't too familiar with the state of Asian-American theatre, you might be in for a pleasant surprise.

Not too long ago, "Asian-American theatre" conjured up images such as dramas about a) the Japanese internment, b) indentured Chinese workers or c) just about any disenfranchised group of immigrants and their struggles against racism.

Take a look at what we Asians have to offer now. Stories of modern day people, coping with issues that could happen to anyone, anywhere. We have comedies, dramas, adventures, sci-fi steam punk capers....you name it. The characters are not necessarily Asians. They could be (and are!!) played by actors of all ethnicities.

Maggie Lee gets that. The SIS Writers get that.

I'm so glad they do. Since the actor's world is probably the last remaining endeavor where one can be hired (or not hired) based solely on one's race, age or gender, it can leave us ethnic minorities out of the mix. I was glad that Tim was able to participate in this reading. I was especially glad he got to play the handsome hero.

Okay....so his character used some stereotypical Asian martial arts moves. That's okay. Most other plays would have had him be the nerdy guy whose only weapon was his pocket calculator.

This is much better. Like the sci-fi inventions in the story, this is a portal that is opening that was once closed to us.

Bravo Maggie!! Keep on writing! The world needs authors like you.

Photograph courtesy of Roger Tang

Show #47 "Sex In Seattle 18: An Everyday Kind of Love" with SIS Productions

I've had a long history with soap operas. Shortly after graduating high school back in the 1970's, I found myself hooked on "All My Children." I anxiously awaited each day to see the next installment in the lives of fictional (and mostly stereotypical) people whom I didn't even know.

Several years later, my dirty habit expanded to "One Life to Live" and "General Hospital." As a true addict, I started to schedule my lunch hour at work around getting that chance to peek into what was happening to my favorite soap characters. Couldn't wait for the plot to thicken....and in those instances, all I had to do was wait a mere 24 hours for that next episode.

So, it boggles the mind to see the roaring success of the theatrical franchise known as "Sex in Seattle" where the adoring audience is forced to wait anywhere from 6 months to a year for their next episode. A fluke, you say? Not really. This franchise has been hooking (and reeling in) their audience for 10 years.

I have long since given up the television soap habit, but have not walked away from my SIS habit. I remain a loyal fan. It helps that the story lines center around modern, sassy Asian-American women. It doesn't hurt that I personally know several of the producers, writers, directors and actors involved in this dynamic theatre series. And the fact that I myself have appeared in a couple of episodes has a little something to do with my continued loyalty.

But, primarily, I remain a constant SIS groupie because these shows are well done, well-acted, have high production values and are a real scream! No tragic Madame Butterfly crap.....SIS is a hoot.

As with all long-running soap operas, the cast of actors evolve over time. Each episode is a new adventure for us long time fans. We can't wait to see how the "newbie" actors will do taking over an established role. Whereas I missed seeing some of my favorite actors on stage, I was delighted to see some new(er) faces doing commendable jobs. Sean O'Bannon made a terrific Nathan, Moses Yim brought fresh energy and charm to his Colin and Caleb Slavens was perfectly endearing as Adam.

SIS Productions has announced they will present Episode 19 in April 2011. Good news, fans. You only have to wait 7 months for your next SIS fix. The plot will thicken more quickly. The fictional folks you have grown to love (and hate) will return sooner.

Stay tuned.

Photo courtesy of SIS Productions

Show #17 "Ching Chong Chinaman" at SIS Productions

Ahhh Sooooo....what can I say about those wonderful Asian stereotypes?

It all depends...on who is expressing them. I have indulged in them on occasions, usually in a humorous manner. My Asian friends and relatives regularly tease one another using some of the worst Asian stereotypes in the book.

But we can do that, right? 'Cuz we're Asian, therefore (so the logic goes), we can't be racist toward ourselves, can we?

But, if a white person tries to throw any of those stereotypes on us, watch out! They had better fear for their lives. Remember, we're Asians. We all know martial arts.

We're also real good at math. And we all speak English remarkably well, even those of us born in the US. And, for some strange reason, we all look alike.

And I, as an honorable Japanese-American wife, submissively serve my caucasian husband in a manner that would make Madame Butterfly proud.

NOT!

So what's the point here? Well, if you haven't figured it out already, here it is: cultural stereotypes, when placed in the right hands, can entertain, inform, educate and make hilarious comedy.

Lauren Yee's marvelous script had the heavily Asian audience roaring their approval. But, I also noticed the non-Asian members in the crowd enjoying themselves every bit as much.

Ms. Yee has learned at a young age that you can make more effective social commentary with nose-tickling soda pop than with editorial vinegar. Written as her senior thesis in college, Ching Chong Chinaman shows Ms. Yee to be a playwriting prodigy.

At this moment, she is a young graduate student, whose plays have been produced throughout the country. Ching Chong Chinaman opened in New York this week as well as here in Seattle. She displays wisdom and success beyond her years.

But that shouldn't surprise us. She's Asian. That means she's real smart.....right?

Production photo courtesy of SIS Productions