The Pulitzer finalist work is written and performed by Kristina Wong and directed by Chay Yew.
Pulitzer finalist work Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord comes to California’s La Jolla Playhouse beginning September 20, with the run set to continue through October 16. Kristina Wong stars in her self-penned solo play, with Chay Yew at the helm.
“Kristina Wong is a one-of-a-kind performer and activist whom we’re delighted to bring back to the Playhouse—this time in person,” said Playhouse Artistic Director Christopher Ashley in an earlier statement. “During the pandemic, Kristina started a volunteer mask-sewing group of ‘aunties,’ which inspired this acclaimed, wildly-funny new solo performance piece.”
In the work, Wong navigates through thoughts on the coronavirus crisis—including finding community amid isolation. Early in the pandemic, Wong sewed masks out of old clothes and household materials, eventually leading a virtual cohort of volunteers that blurred the lines between “feminist care utopia” and “mutual aid doomsday cult.”
The production features scenic design by Junghyun Georgia Lee, costume design by Linda Cho, lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker, sound design by Mikhail Fiksel, and projection design by Caite Hevner. Jess Slocum is stage manager, and Topaz Cooks is assistant stage manager.
Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord previously enjoyed a successful run Off-Broadway at New York Theatre Workshop, where it streamed twice.
For more information, please visit LaJollaPlayhouse.org.
