A high school production of Thoroughly Modern Millie on Long Island featuring White students using ching chong and exaggerated mannerisms attracted dozens of parent protestors, reports the World Journal.
The article in Chinese was translated into English by Voices of New York.
The play opened last week and closed Saturday, but continues to generate conversation on social media.
Parent Xuemei Ye described a conversation her daughter had about the play with Huntington High School superintendent Jim Polansky.
“He gave my daughter a big smile and said the show was very good, and the actors playing the Chinese characters were especially outstanding,” said Ye. “My daughter cried out of anger.”
Ye said attempts to discuss the situation with the school were dismissed by the school, which said the play had already been thoroughly vetted.
“All are committed to viewing this as an educational opportunity — one that allows for open and productive discussion on any of the issues presented,” Polansky said in a statement to Newsday.
“My goal is to make sure this show is never shown again — not on Broadway, not on Long Island, not anywhere,” said Long Island Chinese American Association chairman Gordon Zhang to Newsday.
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RE: Parents Protest School Production Showcasing Students in Yellowface: Unbelievable in 2019.
RE: parents Protest School Production Showcasing Students in Yellowface: How can they not see a problem with Whitewashing and stereotyping people of Asian descent? Asians can have no say in how they are portrayed by White people? It’s been “thoroughly vetted,” the school rep says. Yeah, obviously by White people only.