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Originals

Decolonizing “THE CHINESE LADY”

Author Nancy E. Davis and John Wei Tchen give an in-depth look at the political and social climate surrounding Afong Moy.

Play Tickets for "THE CHINESE LADY"

Ma-Yi Theater Company + The Public Theater’s production of Lloyd Suh’s The Chinese Lady is now playing at The Public Theater through April 10, 2022. Photo by Joan Marcus.

All Ages | Non-sexual, non-violent | 1h25min

Author Nancy E. Davis and John Wei Tchen give an in-depth look at the political and social climate surrounding Afong Moy.

This panel was created in conjunction with Ma-Yi Theater Company + The Public Theater’s production of Lloyd Suh’s The Chinese Lady, playing Febraury 23-April 10, 2022 at The Public Theater.

Inspired by the true story of the first Chinese woman to step foot in America, Lloyd Suh’s critically-acclaimed play, The Chinese Lady, is a tale of dark poetic whimsy and a unique portrait of the United States as seen through the eyes of a young Chinese girl. In 1834, 16-year-old Afong Moy sailed into New York Harbor and was immediately put on display for a paying public who were mesmerized by her exotic ways and horrified by her tiny bound feet. As audiences follow Moy’s travels through America as a living exhibit for decades, The Chinese Lady shares her impressions of a young country struggling with how to define itself.

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Panelists

Nancy E. Davis | Panelist

John Wei Tchen | Panelist

Creative Team

Nancy Bulalacao | Community Outreach Coordinator

Ken Leung | Editor

Justin Dewey | Marketing Director, The Public Theater

As we navigate these tumultuous times with resilience, humor and grit, we’re also forging new ground. This talented theater community needs your support.