You might call this the tale of two productions.
The Orphan of Zhao opened this month with a largely Asian American cast starring BD Wong.
The Royal Shakespeare Company presented its version of The Orphan of Zhao in England just two years ago with a largely white cast.
The Bay Area Reporter reports the difference between the two productions is stark.
Wrote Richard Dodds:
“The play, it seems to me, simply works better with Asian actors. Beyond appearance, there is something almost ineffable in cadence, manner, and rhythms that the Asians in this production connect with that is more elusive for the non-Asians. Setting aside ethnic discussions, this cast also happens to be filled with terrific performers.”
You can read Dodd’s entire review in Bay Area Reporter.
