Issei, He Say (or the Myth of the First)

by Chloé Hung

As Lucy Chu reflects on her first year as an immigrant in Canada in 1969, she explores the convergence of lives when, amidst post-World War II tensions, her Chinese family moves in next door to, Mr. Yamamoto, a Japanese-Canadian man who was interned during the war. As Mr. Yamamoto gets closer to each member of the Chu family, he helps them navigate the waters of assimilation while also forcing them to deal with...

As Lucy Chu reflects on her first year as an immigrant in Canada in 1969, she explores the convergence of lives when, amidst post-World War II tensions, her Chinese family moves in next door to, Mr. Yamamoto, a Japanese-Canadian man who was interned during the war. As Mr. Yamamoto gets closer to each member of the Chu family, he helps them navigate the waters of assimilation while also forcing them to deal with their own prejudices.

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Issei, He Say (or the Myth of the First)

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: Issei, He Say (or the Myth of the First) by Chloé Hung
    “

    An incredibly powerful history about cross cultural connection and understanding as they struggle to assimilate as immigrants. Deeply beautiful work.

    An incredibly powerful history about cross cultural connection and understanding as they struggle to assimilate as immigrants. Deeply beautiful work.

    ”
  • Rachel Bykowski: Issei, He Say (or the Myth of the First) by Chloé Hung
    “

    Amazing play but a passionate writer who starts from their heart for their stories. I had the honor of seeing a staged reading of this play with NNPN and the relationships between the characters still remain on my mind. A painful history follows the Chu family as Lucy from a young age must learn how to grow from this pain and show her family how to love, understand, and forgive

    Amazing play but a passionate writer who starts from their heart for their stories. I had the honor of seeing a staged reading of this play with NNPN and the relationships between the characters still remain on my mind. A painful history follows the Chu family as Lucy from a young age must learn how to grow from this pain and show her family how to love, understand, and forgive

    ”
  • Christopher LaBanca: Issei, He Say (or the Myth of the First) by Chloé Hung
    “

    What a great play. In a time when genuine listening seems impossible to come by, this is a play that really tackles the issue head-on. The characters in the play are wonderful, the pain in each character is palpable, and the story is one that I look forward to exploring as a director some time soon.

    What a great play. In a time when genuine listening seems impossible to come by, this is a play that really tackles the issue head-on. The characters in the play are wonderful, the pain in each character is palpable, and the story is one that I look forward to exploring as a director some time soon.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Development History

  • Workshop, National New Play Network/Kennedy Center MFA Playwright's Workshop, 2016
  • Reading, National New Play Network/Kennedy Center MFA Workshop, 2016
  • Reading, NYU Tisch School of the Arts Department of Dramatic Writing, 2015
  • Workshop, New York University Tisch School of the Arts Department of Dramatic Writing - Collaboration Workshop with Oskar Eustis & Suzan-Lori Parks, 2015

Production History

  • Professional, New Jersey Repertory Company, 2018