What I liked
The overall commentary on the identity crisis that most first and second generation Asian Americans feel. The re-imagining of superheroes’ every man alter egos, Clark Kang (?), Bruce Wang, Peter Park… get out of here!!! Shows his love and knowledge on comics and challenges stereotypes and schemas on how the world sees heroes. And when we get to that part, that dark, yet “colorful” turn – whitewashing at its best and worst – he gave me chills, yet put a smile on my face. Wow. He challenges the whitewashing of the world at large and lays into entertainment industry with an unapologetic steady hand. This is a story people need to hear, it’s a story often overshadowed because we Asians are somehow seen as a “model minority” or the whitest of the minorities, it’s a story so seldom untold because sometimes we Asians are so lost in the midst of our own whitewashing that we fail to see our roots and true identities are suffering from neglect. Paul is brilliant, brave and ballsy, this work is important, significant and everyone needs to see this show.
What I didn't like
N/A
My overall impression
Paul could teach a class – not just on acting – which he is a master of characters, emotions, masks and layers… but also on self worth and identity, the deconstruction of archetypal heroes and paradigms, Asian American studies, and what it means to be Asian. He could teach a class and his students would be as riveted as his Audience was. He is proof that Asians can play any role – because he plays every part – hero, villain, heartthrob, father, son – for us. His script was dissertation-level-deep, completely deliberate, and fantastically entertaining. This is an important piece of theater and an even more important piece of writing – intelligent, poignant and necessary for the evolution of society as a whole. I LOVED it.
