I am Rachel Chu
text by Nathan Joe with contributions from cast
Winner of Auckland Fringe 2019 “Auckland Live: Free Your Mind” and “Best Newcomer (Ensemble)” award
Constance Wu. NYU Economics Professor. Asian-American underdog. Model Minority. Romantic Lead. We are not Rachel Chu.
But what would Crazy Rich Asians look like if we were?
Identity, identification and representation collide in this violent act of intercultural appropriation. I AM RACHEL CHU is an act of literary terrorism - watch and listen as we rewrite, rework and revitalise the best-selling book and box-office success with our own personal histories, superimposing ourselves over its so-called relatable protagonist.
Originally created as part of Basement Theatre's 2019 Auckland Fringe Festival Provocation: The Ghent Manifesto
I am Rachel Chu (Return Season)
Directed by Nathan Joe
Produced by Ankita Singh (Oriental Maidens)
Dramaturgy by Dione Joseph
Starring Ravikanth Gurunathan, Amanda Grace Leo, and Angela Zhang
Reviews
“an honest, thought-provoking revelation of Asian life at its core” - Theatrescenes
“a masterpiece — equal parts media critique, cultural healing, tension and vulnerability, explored through both familiar and innovative storytelling techniques.” - The Speakeasy
“I am Rachel Chu is a necessity in our current social landscape” - Oscen
I am Rachel Chu (Fringe Season)
Directed by Nathan Joe
Produced by Ankita Singh (Oriental Maidens)
Starring Ravikanth Gurunathan, Amanda Grace Leo, and Angela Zhang
Reviews
“a smart, funny and layered parody of blockbuster film” - NZHerald
“a funny and witty response to a hugely popular film, and the way it has been discussed in the media.” - Theatrescenes
“illustrates that to critique something that claims to represent you is not to discount its importance; rather, to do this critical work is to find your own voice in the gaps and recognise the stories that you have to offer the world instead.” - Pantograph Punch
“a fantastic commentary and response to the pseudo ‘Asian representation’ of Crazy Rich Asians.” - Tearaway