
I didn't know this play at all - I only knew it was an early piece in David's career, but I've never read or seen it before. I also didn't read any of the reviews, so it was nice to go in with no expectations or preconceived notions. Well, ok, of course I had preconceived notions. I generally love David's work, so I went in expecting to love it. I'm a big old optimist in that way.

The play is set in 1867, during the building of the transcontinental railroad in the U.S. Historically, the Chinese laborers did go on strike to demand better working conditions, and this play takes place during that strike. Two of the workers connect and build a relationship while the strike plays out.

Both actors, Yuekun Wu as Lone and Ruy Iskandar as Ma, are fantastic. Wu is all elegance and grace when he is performing his carefully choreographed opera steps, but is more jagged and rough when dealing with other people. Iskandar is more innocent and youthful, with a very sunny outlook that gradually begins to comprehend what his life in America is actually going to be. Tracking the rise and fall of each of these characters emotions is quite interesting, and both actors are wonderfully open and honest in their portrayals.

The talkback afterward was also fascinating. I had no idea that David had been commissioned to write this play by the Department of Education! Wow! Can you imagine that happening today? I can't. But hearing about the evolution of the piece was really interesting, as was seeing the real personalities of the actors. They were both quite charming. Yuekun Wu told us he was the third generation of his family to study with the Beijing Opera! Another wow. The director was very thoughtful in her answers to the audience questions (seriously though, does someone pay someone to ask 'how do you learn all those lines?' it is at every Q & A ever done. has an actor ever responded 'that's what I get paid to do'?) and it was exciting to hear they're going to be doing this production later this year in China! The first time this play of David's will play in mainland China. That is thrilling. I love talkbacks and this one was especially good. So it was a terrific evening at the Signature. Yet again. I think I need to get a second job so I can hang out there more often...
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