←Recommendations of King of the Yees

Lauren Yee starts "King of the Yees" with a metatheatrical framing device of an actor playing playwright Lauren Yee, and an actor playing an actor playing playwright Lauren Yee sharing the stage, and continues a satirical "hero's journey" as the playwright-avatar-protagonist explores both the mythology of San Francisco's Chinatown, and the political and economic realities of the community and its role in city, and state politics. Yee's writing is weird, smart, and hilarious. I reviewed Signature Theatre's 2023 production for Washington City Paper: https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/631821...

A play that is bursting with life, comedy, heart, and high theatricality. Yee is totally in control at every moment despite some wild twists, turns, and leaps. This play is so satisfying and provides such a thoughtful and affirming consideration of the future and past of San Franscisco's Chinatown. It should go without saying that Yee makes the story of one people and one neighborhood highly specific and also deeply relatable. An incredibly satisfying and exciting play.

A fantastic, powerful, riveting play. I'm in utter awe.

This play is completely bonkers in all of the right ways. It's funny, thoughtful, and brutally honest, even as it continues down a rabbit hole of stunningly theatrical moments. Highly, highly recommended.

Surprising and moving and really, really fun. A metatheatrical romp grounded in a powerful emotional story about fathers and daughters -- plus a fascinating look at the changing cultural and urban landscape of San Francisco.