For its 25th anniversary season finale, TimeLine Theatre will present the Chicago premiere of The Chinese Lady, Lloyd Suh’s acclaimed play inspired by the story of the first Chinese woman to step foot in America.
The Chinese Lady, directed by Helen Young, begins previews May 8. Press and Opening Night is Friday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. Performances run through June 18, 2022 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. For tickets and information, visit timelinetheatre.com or call the TimeLine Box Office at (773) 281-8463 x6.
(from left): The Chinese Lady playwright Lloyd Suh, director Helen Young, and TimeLine’s cast: Mi Kang (Afong Moy) and Glenn Obrer
Brought here from China in 1834 by enterprising American merchants, 14-year-old Afong Moy is put on display so the American public can get its first view of an “authentic Chinese Lady.” Over the course of 55 years, Afong performs an ethnicity that both defines and challenges her own views of herself. Meanwhile, she witnesses stunning transformations in the American identity. As these dual truths become irreconcilable, Afong must reckon with herself and the history of her new home with startling discovery and personal revelations.
Suh’s piercing and darkly poetic portrait of the United States as seen through the eyes of the first Chinese woman to step foot on U.S. soil unearths hidden history with humor and insight, illuminates the roots of the bigotry and hate facing today’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community, and inspires us to see and understand each other anew. According to The New York Times, The Chinese Lady “steadily deepens in complexity. By the end of Mr. Suh’s extraordinary play, we look at Afong and see whole centuries of American history. She’s no longer the Chinese lady. She is us.”
Helen Young returns to TimeLine to direct the company’s Chicago premiere of The Chinese Lady. Previously, Young directed the 2021 online event Setting the Stage: The Chinese Lady — Building a Bridge Toward Asian Visibility as well as TimePieces readings of The Chinese Lady and The Paper Dreams of Harry Chin.
Watch playwright Lloyd Suh and director Helen Young discuss TimeLine's 25th Anniversary season finale in Setting the Stage: The Chinese Lady - Building a Bridge toward Asian Visibility.
“Among the questions The Chinese Lady asks is, how did that exchange happen in 1834 between Afong and her presentation to her audience?” said Young. “I think if we inspect that exchange we might be able to understand what roots were created, and from understanding those roots we may be able to sort out some of what’s happening today in the conversation between Asians and whites in America. And if we can sort out some of those things, then maybe we as a community of storytellers, with empathy, can try to influence and effect positive change for the future.”
“The past few years, I’ve been writing about the forgotten moments in Asian American history,” said Lloyd Suh. “I’m trying to understand why they were forgotten, what they mean about where we are now, and how these moments might help us find a way forward. With The Chinese Lady, I’m trying to excavate Afong Moy’s story in a way, trying to conjure and honor her, because she was lost to history. She was unknowable.”
For TimeLine’s production of The Chinese Lady, Afong Moy will be played by Mi Kang (she/her). Kang will graduate with her MFA in acting later this year at Northwestern University, where her credits include Peerless, Cry It Out, and Hedda Gabler. She was previously based in Seattle where she performed at ArtsWest Playhouse, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Book-It Repertory Theatre and Annex Theatre.
Glenn Obrero (he/him) rounds out the two-person cast as Atung. Obrero’s Chicago credits include The Great Leap (Steppenwolf Theatre), The Scientific Method (Rivendell Theatre), 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (Lookingglass Theatre), A Wrinkle in Time (Lifeline Theatre), and Akeelah and the Bee (Adventure Stage Theatre).
TimeLine’s production team for The Chinese Lady includes Arnel Sancianco (Scenic Designer, he/him), John Culbert (Lighting Designer, he/him), Izumi Inaba (Costume Designer, she/her), and Yiwen Wu (Dramaturg, she/her).
HEALTH AND SAFETY
In accordance with protocols adopted by a coalition of more than 60 performing arts venues and producers across Chicagoland, TimeLine has been ensuring COVID-19 vaccination and mask requirements for audiences, artists, and staff attending the company’s performances at Theater Wit. In general, protocols have required that patrons be masked and fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine in order to attend. These protocols are subject to change as the pandemic evolves. For the most current information about TimeLine’s COVID-19 safety protocols, visit timelinetheatre.com/health-and-safety
THE CHINESE LADY PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE/EVENTS
Previews of The Chinese Lady are Sunday, May 8, 2022 at 2 p.m.; and Tuesday through Thursday, May 10-12 at 7:30 p.m. Press and Opening Night is Friday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. Regular performances continue through June 18: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m. There is an added matinee Tuesday, June 14 at 2 p.m. Exception: No 4pm performance on May 14.
BUYING TICKETS
Single tickets to The Chinese Lady go on sale Tuesday, April 5 at 12 p.m. at timelinetheatre.com or by calling the Box Office at (773) 281-8463 x6. Preview tickets are $25. Single tickets to regular performances are $42 (Wednesday through Friday), $49 (Saturday evenings) and $57 (Saturday and Sunday matinees). Student discount is 35% off regular price with valid ID. TimeLine is also a member of TCG’s Blue Star Theatre Program and is offering $25 tickets to U.S. military personnel, veterans, first responders, and their spouses and family.
Discounted rates for groups of 10 or more are available. Ticket buyers age 18-35 may join TimeLine’s free MyLine program to obtain access to discounted tickets, special events and more. Visit timelinetheatre.com/discounts for more about available discounts.
LOCATION/TRANSPORTATION/PARKING
Theater Wit was chosen as the site for TimeLine’s 25th Anniversary season to best support COVID-19 safety protocols for audiences, artists, and staff.
Theater Wit is located one-half block west of the corner of Belmont and Racine in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. The theater is accessible via the CTA El stop at Belmont (Red/Brown/Purple lines). CTA bus #77-Belmont stops at Racine. Parking is available in a lot across the street for $8 and there is also limited free and metered street parking nearby. Visit timelinetheatre.com for complete directions and parking information.
IN-PERSON DISCUSSIONS
Post-Show Discussions: A brief, informal post-show discussion hosted by a TimeLine Company Member and featuring the dramaturg and members of the production team on Wednesday, May 18; Sunday, May 22; and Thursday, June 2.
Pre-Show Discussions: Starting one hour before these performances, a 25-minute introductory conversation hosted by a TimeLine Company Member and the dramaturg on Wednesday, June 1, and Sunday, June 12.
Company Member Discussion: A post-show discussion with the collaborative team of artists who choose TimeLine’s programming and guide the company’s mission on Sunday, June 5.
All discussions are free and open to the public. For details, visit timelinetheatre.com.
VIRTUAL DISCUSSIONS
Virtual Post-Show Discussions: A 45-minute informal discussion hosted by a TimeLine Company Member and featuring members of the production team and special guests, hosted online Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, June 14 at 7 p.m.
Virtual Sunday Scholars Panel: A one-hour virtual panel discussion featuring experts on the themes and issues of the play alongside a member of the production team in a moderated discussion, hosted online on Sunday, June 12 at 7 p.m.
All online discussions are free and open to the public. For details, visit timelinetheatre.com.
ACCESSIBILITY
Distanced Performances: Performances on Thursday, May 19 and Tuesday, June 14 will have a capacity cap and seating chart so that patrons can sit with additional space allocated between parties.
Captioned Performances: An open-captioned performance with a text display of words and sounds heard during performances on Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11 at 4 p.m.
Audio-Described Performance: On Friday, June 17, the performance will feature narration about visual elements of the production around the dialogue, available for individual patrons via headphones.
Theater Wit is accessible to wheelchair users and visitors who need to avoid stairs.
SPONSORSHIPS
TimeLine’s production of The Chinese Lady is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional support provided by The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation. The production is also partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
ACCLAIMED RELENTLESS TRANSFERS TO GOODMAN THEATRE
Annelle (Ayanna Bria Bakari, left) tries to tempt her sister Janet (Jaye Ladymore) into enjoying a night on the town in TimeLine Theatre's world premiere of Relentless. Photo by Brett Beiner Photography
On the heels of its acclaimed, sold-out, world premiere run at Theater Wit, TimeLine’s production of Tyla Abercrumbie’s Relentless, directed by Ron OJ Parson, will be presented by Goodman Theatre. The original cast and production team will reprise their roles for this “downtown debut” April 1 – May 1 in the Goodman’s Owen Theatre.
A centuries-spanning tale of family, legacy and progress set in the Black Victorian age, Relentless “acknowledges the complexity of everything in America … smart, challenging and deeply moving … the best new work here in years” (Chicago Tribune); “a visual treat; bracing and truthful (with) terrific performances” (Chicago Sun-Times); “a masterpiece that will have you spellbound and wanting more” (Let’s Play/ChicagoNow.com).
Tickets ($15 - $55) are available now; visit GoodmanTheatre.org/Relentless or call 312.443.3800.
ABOUT TIMELINE THEATRE COMPANY
TimeLine Theatre Company, recipient of the prestigious 2016 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions, was founded in April 1997 with a mission to present stories inspired by history that connect with today's social and political issues. Currently celebrating its 25th Anniversary season, TimeLine has presented 82 productions, including 11 world premieres and 38 Chicago premieres, and launched the Living History Education Program, which brings the company's mission to life for students in Chicago Public Schools. Recipient of the Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence and the Richard Goodman Strategic Planning Award from the Association for Strategic Planning, TimeLine has received 58 Jeff Awards, including an award for Outstanding Production 11 times.
The company has long been bursting at the seams of its current leased home located at 615 W. Wellington Avenue in Chicago’s Lakeview East neighborhood, where the theatre has been in residence since 1999. In December 2018, TimeLine announced the purchase of property at 5033-35 North Broadway in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood to be the site of its new home. Plans feature an intimate black box theatre seating up to 250 audience members, expanded area for the immersive lobby experiences that are a TimeLine hallmark, new opportunities for education and engagement, room to allow audience members to arrive early and stay late for theatergoing experiences that extend far beyond the stage, and more. TimeLine is working with HGA as architect for its new home project, which is expected to be completed in early 2024.
TimeLine is led by Artistic Director PJ Powers, Managing Director Elizabeth K. Auman and Board President John Sterling. Company members are Tyla Abercrumbie, Will Allan, Nick Bowling, Janet Ulrich Brooks, Wardell Julius Clark, Behzad Dabu, Charles Andrew Gardner, Lara Goetsch, Juliet Hart, Anish Jethmalani, Mildred Marie Langford, Mechelle Moe, David Parkes, Ron OJ Parson, PJ Powers, and Maren Robinson.
Major corporate, government and foundation supporters of TimeLine Theatre include the Abe and Ida Cooper Foundation, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Arts Consulting Group, Bayless Family Foundation, The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, City of Chicago, Crown Family Philanthropies, Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation, Forum Fund, Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Illinois Arts Council Agency, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Laughing Acres Family Foundation, MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince, National Endowment for the Arts, Polk Bros. Foundation, Pritzker Traubert Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, United States Small Business Administration, and Walder Foundation. TimeLine’s production of Relentless is supported in part by the Bayless Family Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional support provided by Douglas Bradbury and The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation.
For more information, visit timelinetheatre.com or Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (@TimeLineTheatre).
BIOGRAPHIES
Lloyd Suh (playwright) is the author of plays including The Chinese Lady, Charles Francis Chan Jr.’s Exotic Oriental Murder Mystery, American Hwangap, Jesus in India, The Wong Kids in the Secret of the Space Chupacabra Go!, Franklinland, Great Wall Story, and others, including Bina's Six Apples, which will premiere with Children's Theatre Company and the Alliance Theatre in 2022. His work has been produced with Ma-Yi, Magic, NAATCO, EST, La Mama, The Guthrie with Mu, Milwaukee Rep, ArtsEmerson and others, including internationally at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and with PCPA in Seoul, Korea. He is a Guggenheim Fellow and has received the Horton Foote Prize, the Herb Alpert Award in the Arts, and the Helen Merrill Award. He served from 2005-10 as Artistic Director of Second Generation and Co-Director of the Ma-Yi Writers Lab, and from 2011-2020 as Director of Artistic Programs at The Lark. He was elected in 2016 to the Dramatists Guild Council.
Helen Young (director) returns to TimeLine, where she previously directed the online event Setting the Stage: The Chinese Lady — Building a Bridge Toward Asian Visibility, the TimePieces readings of The Chinese Lady and The Paper Dreams of Harry Chin, and served as Associate Director of The Audience and Assistant Dramaturg of Chimerica. Chicago credits include directing Wild Boar and director lead for New China Festival (Silk Road Rising), directing American Hwangap (Jeff Recommended) and Tiny Dynamite (Halcyon/A-Squared), and directing Tea (Jeff Recommended, Prologue Theatre). Other directing credits include work with Chicago Dramatists, Remy Bumppo, Our Perspectives, Indie Boots (reading festival winner), Polarity Ensemble (reading festival winner), Artemisia, Artistic Home, Token Theatre, and Miranda Theatre's Liz Smith Reading Series at the Cherry Lane in New York City. Young is also an actor and serves on the boards of Token Theatre and Chicago Dramatists.