←Recommendations of Colonialism is Terrible, But Phở is Delicious

Beautiful and profound in its simplicity--Chinn crafts a supremely theatrical exploration of appropriation, appreciation, and xenophobia. Everything about this piece is impeccably structured and intentional from the pacing of scenes to the use of doubling to the selection of these three specific moments and places in time. I'd love to see this staged!

How do I say this and still be nice? I really kinda hate Dustin Chinn right now, because he's written the kind of play that I have not yet mastered. This is a lovely three-course play that satisfies the foodie in me, the history buff and the political junkie. It's the kind of play I love to read and the kind of play I would love to direct. I feel it would be an amazing choice for high schools who could devour and relish it.

An exploration of historic and modern colonialism, appropriation, appreciation, and tradition through pho. Pho IS delicious, and so is this play. It's clever, and funny, and doesn't hold back on the societal criticism. I also appreciated the theatrical dealing with multiple languages and moving through time periods, both are conveyed simply and clearly to the audience, allowing us to use our imagination.

Through three time periods colonialism is intriguingly explored through the lense of food and culture. 4 out of 5 stars!

A piece that expertly shows gentrification as the new type of colonization and state its case without heavy handed exposition. Beautiful, subtle, powerful. rarely have I seen a play that speaks of so much, while keeping its setting and dialogue so simple. A true innovative piece.

A beautifully written and subtle exploration of colonialism in three stages of Vietnamese culture, all unified by the theme of pho, the beef-or-chicken and noodle soup. This play would bear repeated reading to follow all the intricate relations between the three scenes and the artful triplings of the four actors. The dialogue is so deceptively off-hand as to almost conceal the depth of conflict between the Asian and the French/American characters. One wonders if a staging would require real cooking and eating; I would hope so.

Wonderfully drawn characters, sharp wit, and the journey of pho(personal favorite food of mine)! What a fantastic combination!

Such a unique take on colonization. Dustin Chinn is really killing it.

I am so grateful to Playwrights Foundation/BAPF for an introduction to Dustin's work! This script is super sharp, funny and smart. Your theatre company needs produce it right the heck NOW. Right now.

A tight and entertaining play about food, colonization and ownership. Great characters, funny, witty and underneath it all a scathing takedown of "world cuisine" obsessed hipsters. Guaranteed to make you want to eat Pho by the end. Or actually in the middle.