YOHEN
THEATRE ESPRIT ASIA: 2/3 –
2/26
Theatre Esprit Asia is
currently producing the regional premiere of Philip Kan Gotanda’s “YOHEN” at
their space in the Aurora Cultural Arts District’s Gallery at 1400 Dallas
Street in Aurora.
Directed by Anthony J. Garcia, and
starring Maria Cheng and Don Randle, YOHEN brings to life the story of the marriage
of an immigrant Japanese woman and an African American G.I.
One’s first impression upon entering the
Gallery is that Bryan Miller’s minimalist scenic design suggests that this
couple’s living space is a perfectly balanced zen garden. At first glance it reflects
the soft, feminine feng shui and ordered sensibility of Sumi. However … in short
order we are made aware that the space also contains the imaginal imprint of a
boxing ring reflective of the masculine potency of Sumi’s athletic paramour,
James.
Once considered “a cinch for the Olympics,”
James now serves as mentor to up-and-coming young boxers at the corner gym.
Watching Mr. Randle’s sweaty intense
delivery of air-jabs, hooks and uppercuts, first with his right, and then with
his southpaw, allows one to easily imagine his opponent in the ring.
As Sumi Washington, Ms. Cheng’s studied acting
is both poignant and brilliant. (Anyone having seen this actor’s award-winning
work in “Spirit and Sworded Treks” will presumably already have tickets.
In Japanese, Yohen means “an accident in
the firing” of a clay pot. Sometimes a
flaw makes one see the beauty in an otherwise flawless work. Shamans say that
it’s the crack that allows the light to enter and heal what needs to be healed.
Go
and support Theatre Esprit Asia!
YOHEN is playing at ACAD
Gallery Theatre
Aurora Cultural Arts District,1400
Dallas St.
Aurora, CO 80010
For tickets call 720-492-9479 or go online at
teatheatre.org
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