Issei, He Say (or the Myth of the First)
A PLAY
4 CHARACTERS (2M/2W)
Synopsis: Set in 1969, in a predominantly white suburb of Toronto, Canada, Issei, He Say explores the lives of the Chu family, a new Chinese immigrant family, as they move in next door to a Mr. Yamamoto, a Japanese Canadian man. As Mr. Yamamoto gets closer to each member of the Chu family, he helps them navigate the waters of assimilation while also forcing them to deal with their own prejudices.
PRODUCTION HISTORY:
World Premiere Production at New Jersey Repertory Company
April 19-May 20, 2018
Long Branch, New Jersey
Directed by Lisa James
Starring: Stan Egi, Kathleen Kwan, Christina Liang, and Fenton Li
Winner of Edgerton Foundation New Play Award
See production photos below; not to be copied or used without permission
See reviews below
DEVELOPMENT HISTORY:
National New Play Network’s MFA Playwright’s Workshop at The Kennedy Center
July 23-31, 2016
Reading on July 30, 2016
Washington D.C.
Directed by Mei Ann Teo
Dramaturgy by Jenna Rodgers
Starring: Wei Yi Lin, Glenn Kubota, Jo Mei, and Kenneth Lee
Read more about the 2016 NNPN/Kennedy Center MFA Playwright’s Workshop here
NYU Tisch’s New Works Festival
New York University Department of Dramatic Writing
March 6th, 2015, 721 Broadway
New York, NY
Directed by Kay Long
Starring: Glenn Kubota, Steven Eng, Karen Tsen Lee, and Cleo Gray
REVIEWS
FOR NEW JERSEY REPERTORY COMPANY’S WORLD PREMIERE PRODUCTION
“With superb staging and an excellent cast, this compelling production reveals many of the challenges faced by first generation immigrants. This is a show that should be seen. Important and timely, it portrays themes that transcend ethnic and geographic boundaries.” - Marina Kennedy for Broadway World New Jersey
“The characters in Chloe Hung's great new play, "Issei, He Say, or the Myth of the First," are doubly beset: on one hand by a painful history they cannot change, and on another by a frightful present condition that they struggle to control. In this tense terrain, Hung proves herself an exciting new playwriting voice by finding both explosive conflict and complex warmth.” - Patrick Maley for NJ Advance Media
“This is a strong work, dealing with its characters honestly yet with a certain affection. Chloé Hung is a playwright worth following, and it will be interesting to see works by her in the future.” - Allen Neuner for Out in New Jersey
“The actors are wonderful. The characters are well drawn, and their story is moving and relevant. As a bonus, there are some neat special effects with snow. You can’t have a play set in Canada during the winter without snow!” - Madeline Schulman for The Link News
