THEN AND NOW

Trailblazing Asian authors step out of history and onto the stage in ‘Bi-Passing’ world premiere

BY TONI TRESCA

When Cecilia J. Pang set out to write a play based on the writings of two historical figures, she didn’t expect to reunite with someone from her own past. The CU Boulder theater professor had begun work on a production called Bi-Passing — exploring the legacy of sisters Edith and Winnifred Eaton, regarded as the first Asian women authors in North America — when she got an email from Dr. Mary Chapman, a Winnifred Eaton scholar and professor at the University of British Columbia. The two academics, it turns out, shared a special connection beyond the material at hand.

“We chatted about Bi-Passing, and she promised to help get the word out about the play,” Pang says. “Then Mary asked if I had played the Fool in a high school production of King Lear near Niagara Falls, which I had. I could not believe that I was reconnecting with a high school classmate over the Eaton sisters’ writing.”

The sisters’ story had long fascinated Pang. Both siblings, who were born to an English father and a Chinese mother, used pen names when writing about their experiences as mixed-race immigrants. Edith used the pseudonym Sui Sin Far for her work focusing on the Chinese experience in 19th-century America, and Winnifred selected the name Onoto Watanna as her primary moniker as an author and screenwriter.

“I wanted to write Bi-Passing because I felt like people needed to know about these women,” Pang says. “I had been trying to write this play for many years but got stuck because I was too focused on trying to make their stories theatrical rather than just telling their stories. This adaptation focuses on giving the two sisters a platform to introduce themselves and tell some of their stories through vignettes.”

The world premiere of Pang’s stage adaptation of the Eaton sisters’ short stories runs at the People’s Building in Aurora from July 14 to 16. Bi-Passing is the third production from Insight Colab Theatre — previously known as Theatre Esprit Asia (TEA), Colorado’s first and only Asian American theater company — following their devised piece APART/ TOGETHER in 2020 and original musical Say My Name in January 2023.

‘A COMPLEX RELATIONSHIP’

Insight Colab Theatre’s mission is to “spotlight inclusive, innovative and inspiring works to illuminate our shared human experience.” Pang is committed to broadening the company’s audience by sharing narratives that promote multiculturalism. The company prioritizes diverse casting, training for artists of color, and providing a platform for works like Bi-Passing that explore issues surrounding identity, race and privilege.

“I love being able to share stories by these two Asian writers that many people may not know about,” says Bi-Passing actor Kim Egan. “I think their stories provide a snapshot of what life was like at that time period for Asian and mixed-race people in North America. It is interesting to see the themes that are still relevant over 100 years later.”

As a transracial adoptee — a term describing a child adopted by parents of a racial or ethnic background different from their own — Egan relates to the feelings that the sisters describe in their work. “I know what it’s like to grow up in a predominantly white society,” she says. “Much like the characters in the play, I also struggled with feeling like I didn’t belong to either community.”

Egan and other performers say they are grateful to Insight Colab Theatre for bringing so many Asian American artists together to tell a story of the diaspora here on the Front Range.

“As an Asian American actor, those opportunities aren’t always easy to come by,” says Bi-Passing actor Will Choy Edelson. “I think a lot of the characters in the play have a complex relationship with the way they are perceived because of their race, which feels familiar to me.”

Pang notes that the upcoming premiere is a “‘no frills’ production focused on storytelling.” Because the goal of Bi-Passing is to highlight the powerful work of these trailblazing women, Pang’s direction emphasized the Eaton sisters’ own writing over theatrical artifice.

“I was struck by the simplicity of these women’s stories and didn’t want to distract from their words,” Pang says. “Even though we are telling an Asian story, I hope that people from all walks of life attend. The intent of this production is to introduce these authors to an American audience. In my dreams, people who have never heard of the Eaton sisters will come to see Bi-Passing, find the history interesting and want to learn more about them.”

ON STAGE: Bi-Passing by Insight Colab Theatre. Various times, July 14–16, The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora. $20-$30

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BOULDER ENVIRONMENTAL / NATURE / OUTDOORS FILM

FESTIVAL

Various times. Thursday, July 13 through Sunday, July 16, Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder. $15-150

The great outdoors return to the big screen during the 2023 Boulder Environmental / Nature / Outdoors Film Festival. This four-day cinematic bash includes documentary features and short films from around the world — with opening and closing night receptions featuring live music, food and drink at Hilton Garden Inn/ Embassy Suites Boulder.

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ART NIGHT OUT

5-9 p.m. Friday, July 14, Festival Plaza, 311 S. Public Road, Lafayette. Free

The one and only Hazel Miller and the Collective takes the stage during this week’s Art Night Out in Lafayette. In addition to the soulful sounds of a local music legend, visitors can expect street performers and a beer, wine and cider garden, plus an art market with 50 vendors. This free second-Friday celebration is a great way to enjoy an evening out in Lafayette.

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Pollinator Party

10-11 a.m. Saturday, July 15, Harlequin’s Gardens 4795 N. 26th St., Boulder. $22 per family

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PEARL STREET ARTS FEST

Various times. Friday, July 14 through Sunday, July 16, Pearl Street Mall, 1325 Pearl St., Boulder. Free

From the whimsical to the traditional, you’ll find it all at Pearl Street Arts Fest. This annual showcase features the best in local creativity with a beautiful outdoor gallery in the heart of downtown Boulder. Whether you’re looking for the perfect piece to complete your home decor, or you’re just looking to enjoy some art-forward community on the bricks, you won’t want to miss it.

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Top Taco 2023

6 p.m. Friday, July 14, Westminster City Park, 10455 N. Sheridan Blvd., Westminster. $89-169

Which taco will reign supreme? That’s the question at the heart of Top Taco 2023, featuring unlimited tastings and signature tequila cocktails by local purveyors at Westminster City Park. Who will take home Top Creative Taco, Top Traditional Taco, Top Vegetarian Taco and Top Cocktail? Cast your vote at this south-of-theborder bash to find out.

Looking to keep your kiddo as busy as a bee this summer? This one-hour class teaches young ones about the important role played by pollinators and the native plants that support them. Participants will create their own native-bee shelters to take home, and enjoy local honey tastings, during this educational outdoor event at Harlequin’s Gardens. 15

Wild Provisions Anniversary Party

1-8 p.m. Saturday, July 15, Wild Provisions by 4 Noses Brewing, 2209 Central Ave., Boulder. Free

Celebrate three years of Wild Provisions in Boulder during this anniversary party at passion-project taphouse from Broomfield-based 4 Noses Brewing. The daylong event will include a beer-blending class, archived bottle tastings, axe-throwing, new releases and more. Come thirsty and leave happy.

JFK: THE LAST SPEECH

6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 16, Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder.

$18-$75

Join conductor Peter Oundjian for a world-premiere symphony at Chautauqua Auditorium as part of the Colorado Music Festival. Inspired by the celebration of Robert Frost that would become President John F. Kennedy’s final prepared remarks, JFK: The Last Speech “will reflect the autumn season, the solemnity of the moment, and the unique oratorical gifts of Kennedy the president, and the profound literary gifts of Frost the poet.”

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SANITAS

Makers Market

1-6 p.m. Sunday, July 16, Sanitas Brewing Co., 3550 Frontier Ave. - Unit A, Boulder. Free

Local arts and goods are on the menu during the Sanitas Makers Market. Stop by the celebrated local brewery to find that one-of-a-kind item crafted with love by a local artisan — from jewelry to prints, candles, soaps and points in between. Stick around for tacos, live DJs and, of course, plenty of craft beer.

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BANDS ON THE BRICKS

5:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, Pearl Street Mall, 1300 block of Pearl Street, Boulder. Free

We don’t have to tell you that Bands on the Bricks is the free live music series of the summer in Boulder. The heartfelt sound of The Sweet Lillies will be the soundtrack to next week’s downtown blowout, featuring a newly formed lineup of guitar, viola, upright bass, live drums and infectious harmonies. Head there on two wheels and drop your bike with the secure bike valet before grabbing libations at the beer garden during this summertime staple.

THU. 7/13 - 7:30PM

CLAY ROSE, SINGERSONGWRITER NIGHT W/SPECIAL GUEST SILENT BEAR

FRI. 7/14 - 8:00PM

JOHNNY & THE MONGRELS Starts at $15.00

TUE. 7/18 - 7:00PM

LIZ BARNEZ LIVE BROADCAST ON 88.5 KGNU

EVERY WEDNSDAY BOULDER BLUEGRASS JAM

FRI. 7/21 - 8:00PM

DAVE TAMKIN & CO AND ANTONIO LOPEZ W/ SPECIAL GUEST CHRISTOPHER MORSE Starts at $15.00

SAT. 7/22 - 8:00PM

GOOD MUSIC MEDICINE

SAT. 8/5 - 8:30PM

JEFF CROSBY

FRI. 8/11 - 8:00PM

PETER KARP BAND

SAT. 8/12 - 7:00PM

PINE TOP PERKINS BENEFIT WITH BOB MARGOLIN

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CHARLES SAWTELLE MEMORIAL

MOUNTAIN JAM

Noon. Sunday, July 16, Gold Hill Inn, 401 Main St., Boulder. $40

Want to enjoy a day of live music while supporting the local community radio station you love? KGNU’s Annual Charles Sawtelle Memorial Mountain Jam returns to the Gold Hill area outside of Boulder for its 35th year. Named after late Hot Rize guitarist Charles Sawtelle, an avid KGNU supporter who helped launch the event in 1989, this yearly bluegrass blowout is not to be missed.

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TALON TALK

2-3 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, Steinbaugh Pavilion 824 Front St., Louisville. Free

Head to the Steinbaugh Pavilion in Louisville to get up close and personal with live raptors. You’ll learn all about the habitats, diets and special adaptations of these amazing creatures with the help of knowledgeable wildlife educators during this high-flying educational event presented by Louisville Public Library.

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GROWING GARDENS:

LONGMONT FARM STAND

4-6 p.m. Thursday, July 20, Longmont YMCA 950 Lashley St., Longmont. Free

Drop by the Longmont YMCA on July 20 for the Growing Gardens Longmont Farm Stand, featuring organically grown veggies at affordable prices (SNAP accepted). The produce market is staffed by young people from the organization’s Cultiva Program, a youth leadership initiative for ages 14-18.

TUE. 8/15 - 8:00PM WILL EVANS (OF BAREFOOT TRUTH)

SAT. 8/19 - 9:00PM

SQUEAKY FEET

FRI. 8/25 - 8:00PM

TERESA STORCH

BAND WITH MACKENZIE RAE

Live Music

On The Bill

Local singer-songwriter Patrick Dethlefs comes to the Fox Theatre in support of Old Crow Medicine Show co-founder Willie Watson on July 16. The Front Range folk artist brings his warm and wistful songs to the iconic University Hill venue ahead of the release of his upcoming self-described “mini-album,” Some Songs Aren’t That Long, due later this year. Scan the QR code for a BW feature on Dethlefs. See listing for details

THURSDAY, JULY 13

JOHN CORIGLIANO Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder. $18

VIENNA TANG 7 p.m. eTown Hall, 1535 Spruce St., Boulder. $35

PARAMORE. 7 p.m. Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Cir., Denver. $100

TRAMPLED BY TURTLES WITH AMIGO THE DEVIL. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison. $45

BOULDER B-SIDES 5 p.m. BOCO Cider, 1501 Lee Hill Drive, Unit 14, Boulder. Free

JUSTIN HOWL 6 p.m. Trident Cafe, 940 Pearl St., Boulder. Free

GEORGE NELSON. 7 p.m. R Gallery + Wine Bar, 2027 Broadway, Boulder. Free

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER WITH THE KEEPS AND TIRE SHOE 8 p.m. Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway, Denver. $15

FRIDAY, JULY 14

STRING CHEESE INCIDENT WITH THE JOHN FOGERTY INCIDENT 7 p.m. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison. $75

JUPITER AND OKWESS 7 p.m. Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder. $20

JOHNNY & THE MONGRELS 8 p.m. Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl, Suite V3A, Boulder. $15

RAGGED UNION. 8:30 p.m. Gold Hill Inn, 401 Main St., Boulder. $10

MAYGEN & THE BIRDWATCHER. 9 p.m. Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St., Boulder. $14

THE WRECKLUNDS 6 p.m. Oskar Blues, 1555 S. Hover St., Longmont. Free

TAYLOR SWIFT: THE ERAS TOUR WITH MUNA AND GRACIE ABRAMS (NIGHT 1). 6:30 p.m. Empower Field at Mile High, 1701 Bryant St., Denver. Sold out (resale only). Story on p. 12

Live Music

SPELLS WITH AUDIO VISCERAL, HELLGRAMMITES AND MINERAL PALACE 9 p.m. Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway, Denver. $15

WALLICE WITH NITEFIRE AND CARD CATALOG 9 p.m. Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St., Denver. $18

SATURDAY, JULY 15

STRING CHEESE INCIDENT WITH KITCHEN DWELLERS 7 p.m. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison. $75

DREAM THEATER WITH DEVIN TOWNSEND AND ANIMALS AS LEADERS. 7 p.m. Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St., Denver.

MAX GOMEZ WITH ORDINARY ELEPHANT 7 p.m. eTown Hall, 1535 Spruce St., Boulder. $20

CLAY STREET UNIT 9 p.m. Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St., Boulder. $14

LOVE GANG WITH AXESLASHER AND GLUEMAN 9 p.m. Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway, Denver. $20

THE MODE WITH ALEX BLOCKER AND LIQUID CHICKEN. 5 p.m. Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St., Denver. $14

THE GODDAMN GALLOWS WITH IV AND THE STRANGE BAND AND VOLK 9 p.m. Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St., Denver. $24

SUNDAY, JULY 16

WILLIE WATSON WITH PATRICK DETHLEFS.

8 p.m. Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St., Boulder. $20. BW Pick of the week

STRING CHEESE INCIDENT WITH THIEVERY CORPORATION. 7 p.m. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison. $75

STRANGEBYRDS. 4 p.m. Oskar Blues, 303 Main St., Lyons. Free

CODY CANADA & THE DEPARTED WITH THE BARLOW AND KYLE WARNER 8 p.m. Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St., Denver. $20

DANIEL CAESAR. 6:30 p.m. Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson St., Denver. $100

MONDAY, JULY 17

NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND

7:30 p.m. Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder. $50

TORI AMOS WITH TOW’RS. 8 p.m. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison. $60

TUESDAY, JULY 18

LIZ BARNEZ 7 p.m. Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl, Suite V3A, Boulder. Free

BRENTANO STRING QUARTET.

7:30 p.m. Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder. $18

PROFANATICA WITH PANZERFAUST AND HELLEBORUS

8 p.m. Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St., Denver. $28

NICKELBACK. 6:30 p.m. Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Cir., Denver. $45

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19

CAAMP WITH CARSIE BLANTON AND ZACH NYTOMT. 7 p.m. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison. $100

THE BASEMENT BLUES PROJECT

7:30 p.m. Nissi’s 1455 Coal Creek Drive, Unit T, Lafayette. Free

PARDONER WITH AMERICAN CULTURE, SUPREME JOY AND FISHLEGS. 8 p.m. Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway, Denver. $18

LATE NIGHT DRIVE HOME WITH BENCHES 8 p.m. Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St., Denver. $16