THE WOMEN OF TU-NA HOUSE

RICHARD ADAMS, The World Socialist Website (review to be posted soon) When the earlier version of this multi-character solo show, written and performed by Nancy Eng played at last year’s New York Fringe, solid reviews and sold-out houses must have created an atmosphere that justified listing it in the Hollywood Fringe as a comedy. While there are plenty of laughs, mainly provoked by tough talk by little ladies and searing cross-cultural, sometimes multilingual wit, at its heart, this is serious material. The title refers to the House’s misprinted sign: an inept painter dropped the “I” in Tui Na, a form of traditional Asian massage. Ms. Eng plays all the masseuses who work in Tu-Na House, a brownstone on New York’s Upper East Si... full review

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"The Women of Tu-na House" is a hilarious and surprisingly touching one-woman show. Nancy Eng delivers a nuanced performance as the staff of a "massage" parlor. She effortlessly transforms as each character is introduced. Highly recommended. Treat yourself to a happy ending. ... full review

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I liked the stories a lot. I also liked the presentation of the play via cameos of different characters. I think the acting came and went, with some scenes being admirable and others being only marginal. I think more work should be put into costuming to make quick changes more adequately alter the character so you clearly see different members of Tu-Na House. The subject matter was unique and interesting.... full review

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Nancy Eng is an artist. That much is quite evident in this production, as she portrays eight very different characters with one common trait - they are involved in the sex industry. Performed with candor and honesty, The Women of Tu-Na House is almost an expose' on this industry, and the attitudes of the owners and workers there. Despite the small house, Nancy delivered a knock-out performance. Although it was not perfect, it was gutsy, raw and real. I learned alot about my previous misconceptions about this industry, and left the show feeling more knowledgeable and better equipped to understand. I especially loved her portrayal of The Cat Lady, a prostitute with a heart of gold, who despite the loss of her cat of 19 years, wen... full review

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In town from Canada and this was a last minute idea. We did not know that there was a Fringe Festival, here in L.A., like the one we have in Toronto! What a pleasant surprise! Our first experience with theatre in L.A. and it did not disappoint! Ms. Eng was colourful with her portrayals of the characters. Really a very nice treat for us to have seen!... full review

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An enjoyable hour with a creative actress. It's a shame the costuming changes were so poorly handled and the over-all production values are so poor. the show deserves better. ... full review

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I thought it was thought provoking and really interesting! Thank you Nancy for writing such a wonderful piece of work!... full review

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New York based actress/writer Nancy Eng is a tour de force as she deftly portrays 8 Asian laborers at a New York City massage parlor cum brothel in this funny, provocative, heartfelt story. A must see.... full review

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Nancy Eng's stage presence and flawless characterizations will captivate you in an instant. Her performance was riveting and brutally honest. If you haven't seen Nancy Eng's one woman show, THE WOMEN OF TU-NA HOUSE, GO SEE IT! You won't be disappointed. In fact, you will be enlightened.... full review

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Nancy Eng gives a knock-out mutli-character performance. There's plenty of totally appropriate raunchy humor in these linked monologues about Asian masseuse sex-workers in New York, but there whole lot more going on here as well. This play connects the dots between historical/cultural events in China and Southeast Asia with the individual lives of these tough, resilient, self-exploiting women. This isn't some weepy sermon on the horrors of sex-trafficking. I may go back and see it again.... full review

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