A New Form of Identity Theft

Dear La Jolla Playhouse Artistic Director Chris Ashley, Director

Moises Kaufman, Casting Associate Tara Rubin & composers Steve

Sater/Duncan Sheik:

After watching the discussion panel on the “Nightingale”’s casting

controversy, I’ve learned that “suspension of disbelief” is not an

excuse for casting five non-Asians for the five Chinese named lead

characters in this Hans Christian Andersen fable set in “mythical”

China. I understand that a workshop is a work in progress, however it

was still a public performance for which you charged admission.

While it was “nice” (and I mean that in quotes) that La Jolla

Playhouse hosted a discussion panel due to overwhelmingly negative

feedback, this seemed nothing but lip service as the creative team

justified its casting ratio based on a “mythical” China and not the

real one.  When asked “If this were a mythical Africa would you have

dared to do the same?” and Director Kaufman’s esoteric diatribe was

thankfully interrupted by the opposing panel’s request for a more

direct answer, it further proved creative team’s

anorexic justification.

While a public apology was “nice” (and I mean that in quotes), action

is preferred. And by action I mean that a play set in “mythical China”

with a cast of 12 (previously workshopped with an Asian majority)

should have more than merely two female actresses in supporting roles

and at least one recognizably Asian male actor.

How fitting that a seemingly oblivious audience member asked “Are

there talented Asian singer/actors?” amidst a chorus of angry voices

in this supposedly-not-so-backward San Diego theatre community.

To paraphrase a Capitol One advertising slogan, I dare to ask a

similar question of the sponsors / backers of La Jolla Playhouse and

subsequently this production ~ “Who’s in your wallet?”

With all due respect to the very talented performers of the

“Nightingale”, the creative team has given a new meaning to Identity

theft.

LABOR DAY

At the tender age of ten, while escaping the Filipino summer in San Francisco, I recall walking by a modest French cafe on Mason St. that was hiring for a busboy/dishwasher and inquired about it. Did I realize how independent I was back then? Not as much as I wanted the satisfaction of saying I had a job and that I was earning a wage for something I could do even at an early age. This budding work ethic somehow was also a way be a cut above the rest of my fourth grade class.

As an eighth grader at San Francisco's Star of the Sea Grammar School, I was a server for our yearly Festival dinner and recall someone's compliment "You look very professional doing this." I was well aware that it wasn't my teal Members' Only jacket, but the meticulous manner, graciousness and friendliness that was served with her meal that prompted this unsolicited feedback.

As a young actor in high school, my drama teacher was equally complimentary at how professional I looked while playing a lawyer in the school play, "You, the Jury". Was it my personally provided costume ensemble of blue pin striped suit, slicked back hair and Bally loafers? They were certainly instrumental towards a more mature and commanding gait.

While touring Europe and the States as a professional actor, I recall the satisfaction of a well earned standing ovation surpassing any monetary value. Applause was feedback and confirmation that I had done my job beyond a satisfactory level.

These are fragments from my history that have shaped my work ethic and how I feel I contribute to the work force. Be it on/off stage or in an office... the level of service / performance I like to provide is nothing less than I would like to receive for myself. So on this Labor Day, cheers to your hard earned Dollar (or insert proper currency here) and more importantly, your sense of accomplishment!!!