Ma-Yi Filipino Theatre Ensemble - Creatives Rebuild New York

Four individuals on stage, two of whom are actively engaged in performance at music stands, while the other two are seated, possibly waiting for their turn. The performers in action are animated, using gestures as they perform. The stage is set with a black curtain backdrop and is lit by ceiling spotlights. Chairs are arranged in a semicircle, indicating a rehearsal setup. A screen displays some text in a non-Latin script, suggesting a multilingual element to the performance. The setting has a modern appearance with clean lines and neutral colors.

Reading of “BAGS”

Photo courtesy of Ma-Yi Theater Company

A stage setup featuring four performers seated on chairs with scripts in front of them. The backdrop is a simple black curtain, and spotlights illuminate the stage. A woman in a bright pink blazer stands at the center, possibly speaking or singing, while the others are seated attentively, one with a white beard and another wearing a blue top. A small audience can be seen in the dimly lit foreground. To the right, a screen displays text in what appears to be Bengali. The stage has a wooden floor and is equipped with microphones for sound amplification.

Reading of “ALWAYS EAT THE FOOD”

Photo courtesy of Ma-Yi Theater Company

A diverse group of ten individuals stands together on a brightly lit stage, smiling at the camera. The two people in front are wearing casual outfits; one in a dark shirt and shorts, and the other in a floral dress. Behind them, eight others are arranged in two rows. Their attire ranges from casual to semi-formal, including T-shirts, a hoodie, a dress, and glasses. The background is a dark curtain which contrasts with the lit faces, suggesting a relaxed and joyful atmosphere, possibly at a social or formal gathering.

Reading and talkback

Photo courtesy of Ma-Yi Theater Company

A diverse group of individuals, numbering around twelve, poses together in a semi-casual manner on a stage setting. The group is made of men and women of various ages, standing in two rows. The individuals at the front are smiling directly at the camera. Behind them, others appear relaxed and amiable. The background consists of dark curtains and overhead stage lights, suggesting the scene could be part of a theatrical or presentation event. Everyone is dressed in casual or semi-casual attire, with a variety of colors and styles, creating a lively and diverse visual representation.

Reading and talkback

Photo courtesy of Ma-Yi Theater Company

The Collaboration

Jesse Jae Hoon collaborated with Ma-Yi Theater Company to create new Lehrstücke (learning plays), a form pioneered by Bertolt Brecht, to address issues facing working-class Asian American communities in New York City. The collaboration led to two public workshop presentations with the community to present each play. “BAGS” focused on food accessibility in Flushing, and “ALWAYS EAT THE FOOD” centered on the Bangladeshi tenants union in the Bronx.

The Organization

Founded in 1989, Ma-Yi Theater Company is a professional, award-winning not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose primary mission is to develop and produce new and innovative plays by Asian American writers. Since its founding, Ma-Yi has distinguished itself as one of the country’s leading incubators of new works shaping local and national conversations about what it means to be Asian American today.

Learning from and bringing theater to working-class Asian American audiences in Queens was a life-affirming experience. It helped me define both my craft and the way I want my art to interact with the world around me. Jesse Jae-Hoon

Presenting theater that speaks to the issues faced by the audiences involved, while also including discussions with organizers and elected officials was an enormous step in connecting the world of theater with local NYC communities and with organizers fighting for better conditions.

Artists

Jesse Jae Hoon

Location

Queens, NY

Communities Served

Immigrant

Seniors

Links

Lehrstücke (Learning Plays)