performing class by Preston Choi

Working class Jung-Hee and Johnny, the cleaning lady mom to the delivery cyclist son, struggle to get by each day, helped/pitied by Amy, the formerly middle class down on her luck actor trying to catch her own break. A chance for upward mobility appears when Kevin, a rich school “friend” turned wannabe actor, hires Johnny to help him understand what it’s like to be poor so he can become a better actor. The...
Working class Jung-Hee and Johnny, the cleaning lady mom to the delivery cyclist son, struggle to get by each day, helped/pitied by Amy, the formerly middle class down on her luck actor trying to catch her own break. A chance for upward mobility appears when Kevin, a rich school “friend” turned wannabe actor, hires Johnny to help him understand what it’s like to be poor so he can become a better actor. The dubious contract and dreams for changing Asian-American representation twist and test everyone caught in the trap of trying to rise above their current station, until the play ends. A dark dramedy, performing class is caught up in perfecting authenticity, Asian-American ambition, and what good is our love/obsession for working class stories.
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performing class

Recommended by

  • National New Play Network:
    19 Jul. 2022
    “ performing class by Preston Choi was featured in NNPN's 2022 National Showcase of New Plays, and we are pleased to recommend it. ”
  • Stephanie Kyung Sun Walters:
    21 Jul. 2020
    “ Choi crafts a dynamic and physical exploration of class and exploitation. I enjoyed the use of occupation, family, and obligation to highlight each character's needs for financial or artistic stability. I felt like I was in a theatre mash up of "Parasite" and "Crazy Rich Asians" - and I mean that in the absolute best way. A fast and thrilling play! ”
  • Playwrights Foundation:
    24 Apr. 2020
    “ Playwrights Foundation congratulates THE PERFORMING CLASS as a Finalist for BAPF 2020. This play rose to the top 35 out of 735 plays submitted, and was discussed at length by our Bay Area Literary Council for consideration in our season. We loved how this play uses the language of theater to illuminate challenging perspectives and compelling intersectional questions. This play ultimately moved & inspired us and spoke to the core mission of PF. We hope that once we’re allowed to return to our theaters again, it will be considered for production to reach new audiences. ”

Development History