"So what is your theater experience?" Well, I was in the English drama club all through high school, and I write reviews for shows at the ACT theater just for fun. But to be honest I don't really have any legit theater experience, not in Taiwan, and definitely not in the US.
"This is my first time auditioning for a theater play," as I introduced myself to four theater producers of Pork Filled Productions, an Asian American theater group in Seattle.
Then I delivered my monologue, which I wrote and have revised many times with the help of my wonderful friends Megan M, Megan P, Mark, and Geneva. In addition, I've also practiced with climber friends Kyle and Dylan on our trip to Smith Rock, and rehearsed it with my coworker Lee and my boss today.
Everyone gave me great comments and feedback, and everyone laughed, which is the funnest part of this project.
A few weeks ago I realized I need a community besides work and climbing, both of which are wonderful and indispensable in my Seattle life. But there's this part of me that is drawn to art and culture. Since I moved to Seattle, I've never really have friends in these fields. It'd be awesome to be involved in something fun and that is about exploring creativity, identity and relationships of all kind. Good plays deliver common scenes that provides you different perspectives and even sets different expectations for how we understand the world around us.
I contacted Pork Filled Players because they approach racial/ethnic issues in a lighthearted and yet thought-provoking manner, which is what I aspire to do when I communicate my cultural shock experiences. One of the producers in the group emailed me and told me about this audition opportunity for Carla Ching's Fast Company.
One of the roles they are auditioning for is an "Asian American female, early 20s. Strong-willed, spirited young woman trying to make it on her own as a con artist." I guess I might as well give it a shot, right?
The director was very upfront with me today. "Usually when I knew people write their own script it's gonna be a disaster (because it's never been tested on stage)." But then she said: "But yours is actually great. It's funny! But I want you to do this again like you're angry and mean. I want you to be pissed off."
The script I wrote was basically making fun of Asian parents' expectations for kids to study, get jobs, and make money, as well as to stay thin and not do crazy adventurous shit that might kill yourself like rock climbing. I also joked about my dating issues: the reason why I've never had a boyfriend here is bc guys here are too hairy and I'm allergic to "yellow fever" and can't stand any expectations people have for me just because I'm an Asian woman.
Then she wants me to be pissed off. All in a sudden I was blaming these two cultures that I live in between, both kind of set expectations for me to be a good Taiwanese daughter or a beautiful Asian woman (that speaks an exotic language and makes/eats Asian food). As much as I joke about these things, I do hate these expectations. I just want to be myself.
But I have never expressed anger or hate in a mean way in English. I definitely pushed myself out of my comfort zone.
As of now, I just got an email from the group:
"Kelly,
Thank you so much for taking the time to audition for Fast Company. The team at Pork Filled Productions has been blown away by the talent and creativity we’ve seen this past week. And we very much liked your writing for your monologue.
Unfortunately, there are too many actors and not enough roles for them....
A lot of folks liked what you did on the writing end. How your voice fits in with where our direction is (particularly on the sketch comedy side) we’re not quite sure, but let’s keep the lines of communication open—we have things to discuss."
So I guess back to writing? Man I'm definitely more on the analytic geeky side of this art & culture thing. Maybe the reason why I do this is just to get my voice heard? Maybe I'm only comfortable acting myself? There is a reason why I write though, for a long time, it's been the best way to express myself and communicate with others.
And now I know I have a voice in a second language.
:)
"Kelly,
Thank you so much for taking the time to audition for Fast Company. The team at Pork Filled Productions has been blown away by the talent and creativity we’ve seen this past week. And we very much liked your writing for your monologue.
Unfortunately, there are too many actors and not enough roles for them....
A lot of folks liked what you did on the writing end. How your voice fits in with where our direction is (particularly on the sketch comedy side) we’re not quite sure, but let’s keep the lines of communication open—we have things to discuss."
So I guess back to writing? Man I'm definitely more on the analytic geeky side of this art & culture thing. Maybe the reason why I do this is just to get my voice heard? Maybe I'm only comfortable acting myself? There is a reason why I write though, for a long time, it's been the best way to express myself and communicate with others.
And now I know I have a voice in a second language.
:)
