Theatre Review: BI-PASSING

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz

BI-PASSING is a collection of short stories written by Edith and Winnifred Eaton, known as the first Asian American/Canadian women writers.

Born to a Scottish father and a Chinese mother, Edith adopted a Chinese pen name Sui Sin Far (Narcissus) for her writing persona, as she focused on writing the Chinese experience in 19th century America, some of them are autobiographical. Whereas Winnifred adopted a Japanese pseudonym Onoto Watanna for her very successful career as romance writer and screenwriter.

Last July, Insight Colab Theatre produced the world premiere play of Bi-Passing at The People’s Building in Aurora. In just 90 minutes, the play allowed the voices of Asian American sisters, at the turn of the century, share their stories of drama, romance, and tragedy.

The sets were easily transformed between scenes for audience members to understand the shift in stories and narration by the sisters. Simple changes included using chairs or drapes as dividers, while long fabrics illustrated earthly elements of fire.

The cast included: Kim Egan, Will Choy Edelson, Sarah Zimah, Sean Guderian, and Samantha Saunders. Adaptation and direction was Pang Yuan-Yuan, director of Say My Name. Theatre lovers familiar with her work will know she has stamped this play with her artful, imaginative style.

For more plays by Asian Americans for Asian Americans, visit insightcolab.org or follow them on Instagram @insight_colab.

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz