Losing Face
written by Nathan Joe
Originally developed as part of Playmarket’s Asian Ink Clinic 2013 (original title: Flesh off the Boat).
Presented as a staged reading as part of Proudly Asian Theatre’s 2017 Fresh off the Page series.
Redeveloped as part of Proudly Asian Theatre’s 2020 Fresh Developments programme.
Shortlisted for the 2021 ADAM NZ Play Award.
Fresh Developments 2020 (Proudly Asian Theatre)
“Sad gay books. Old depressing gay stories. Like we get it. It's really tragic being gay. All the time. Uh sucking dick. Eating ass. Sniffing room odorizer. It’s so hard. Wah.”
A love story grappling with race, sexuality and fatherhood. Nathan Joe's first play is a hard emotional hitter asking if love really transcends all. Stereotyped roles are challenged as an older white male and a younger Chinese male navigate their romantic relationship in the face of internal and external judgement.
Fresh Developments gives you an inside look into Nathan’s journey of redeveloping this work during Covid restrictions. Enjoy a series of candid journals and essays inspired by the world of ‘Losing Face’, covering subjects from trolling and Rock Hudson to Call Me By Your Name and familial love.
Fresh off the Page 2017 (Proudly Asian Theatre) - Staged Reading
"It's about a man who goes to Paris and falls for another man there. But he can't really deal with his feelings. It's a sad love story. I don't want to spoil it for you. Do you read much?"
A love story grappling with race, gender and fatherhood, Nathan Joe's first play is a hard emotional hitter asking if love really transcends all. Stereotyped roles are challenged as an older white male and a young Chinese immigrant fall for one another.
Directed by Torum Heng and starring Mel Odedra, Teresa Lee and Bala Murali Shingade.
