In 1834, Moy was brought over from China to America by merchants. “When she first arrived, the public generally responded to China in a positive way. On the edge of patrician orientalism, the perceived “Orient” was one of exoticism, beauty, dignity, and revered history. The Carnes merchants, Francis and Nathaniel G., and the ship captain Benjamin Obear, who brought Afong Moy to America, took advantage of this perception, using the sensual stimulus that came from marketing China trade goods with an exotic. They played on, controlled, and mediated the public’s consciousness of her visual difference—her bound feet, Chinese clothing, and accessories—all to promote their goods.” (source:LitHub.com)

During her 17 years of being a curiosity in the western world, Moy went from a marketing gimmick to a spectacle. She became a public sensation when P.T. Barnum started managing her. Moy’s “oriental” showcase drew curious onlookers from her “exotic” appearance to even the use of chopsticks. And her story is a fascinating one that came at a time in American history where there was a cultural upheaval. Colonization, slavery, and the status of women all came into the forefront.

The Chinese Lady goes beyond a historical story told on stage and brings awareness of how Asians are perceived in Western society. We had a chance to speak with Marjorie Chan, the play’s incredible Director, to learn more.

What was your reaction when you first learned about Afong Moy’s story?

MC: On my first read of the play of the play, my first reaction was why had I not heard of her before! I looked back, at a book I had previously read called, “The Chinese in America” by Iris Chang and lo and behold, there was Afong Moy! There isn’t very much about her in that book, and I didn’t retain it, obviously. The book “The Chinese Lady: Afong Moy in America” by Nancy E. Davis has much more historical information. (Though the play itself is not a historical play in the strictest sense).

Afong was brought over and “exhibited” to feed to the Westerner’s interest in things that appeared “exotic” at a very young age. When you tell people about this story what’s been the reaction?

MC: People’s reactions depend on their knowledge of such problematic exhibitions and ‘human zoos.’ There is such a long history of exploitation of people for supposed cultural reasons. Afong Moy, herself was brought over and exhibited in large part to sell furniture.

Afong’s story is told with a softened narrative. She was often portrayed as a “performer” rather than most likely being held captive and on display as a show oddity. There were even research that stated her opinions were “respected”(according to Wikipedia). Thoughts?

MC: For sure there is a stark difference between Afong Moy’s experience versus someone like Sarah Baartman, also known as the ‘Venus Hottentot’. There is some evidence that Sarah left Africa willingly to be a part of a display, but ultimately the abhorrent treatment of her resulted in even her human remains being exhibited. In the end, Nelson Mandela requested she be returned to South Africa and given proper burial.

Again, it is hard to say what is completely accurate even in the historical accounts of Afong Moy’s time in America. Suffice to say, in spite of perhaps more ‘civilised’ practices in her exhibitions, she undoubtedly was still captive in her circumstances.

This two-person play tells her story – can you tell us about her relationship with Atung?

MC: Atung appears in historical accounts although there is no evidence that they ever maintained a long term relationship as depicted in the play. In the play, he is represented as interpreter and manservant. There is a mutual dependency on each other and as the ‘performance’ evolves so does their relationship.

There are so many themes in this play beyond Afong’s obvious story. What do you hope the audience will learn from seeing this?

MC: Obviously there is the historical interest in such a figure as Afong Moy, but in the end it is a modern play with contemporary themes. It speaks to our current and ongoing perspectives on how Asian women are viewed then and now. The brilliance of this piece is that in addition to the historical, it also gives us space to contemplate a contemporary gaze.

What do you wish people to know about A Chinese Lady?

MC: The play is extraordinarily crafted and I am so grateful to have read it and been invited to engage with it. I am a huge supporter of Canadian work, and the bulk of my work is with Canadian artists. However, I think the opportunity for artists and audiences to experience relevant work from the States or from around the world is always enlightening and valuable.

The Canadian Premiere of The Chinese Lady by Lloyd Suh, directed by Marjorie Chan, and featuring Rosie Simon and John Ng, tells the story of Afong Moy. Dark, poetic, and whimsical, the play is a searing portrait of Western culture seen through the eyes of a young Chinese woman.

This Studio 180 production with fu-GEN Asian Canadian Theatre Company in association with Crow’s Theatre, will run May 2 – 21 at Crow’s Theatre. For more information and for tickets visit the site here.

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Wolfgang Tillmans: To Look Without Fear at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): Tillmans was recently named by Time Magazine as one of the top 100 Most Influential of 2023 and his retrospective exhibition is an incredible collection of his photography and visual works. His images inspires connections and explores conversation on social issues on a personal and global scale. Hot on the heels of his spectacular exhibition at MoMA this is a must see for all ages. Be sure to also catch his visual album in Jackman Hall while you’re there.

IN BLOOM: Florals and Footwear at the Bata Shoe Museum: floral motifs have influenced fashion and design for centuries. Countries globally have incorporated blooms in various ways from textiles and in design. The language of florals and the interpretations is what makes this exhibition seriously fascinating. It also examines how nature plays a part over the history of the shoe including the materials. Beautifully displayed shoes along side descriptions takes visitors on a journey in a fresh appreciation for footwear over the centuries. Here you’ll find stunning historical pieces and more recent Nike and Christian Louboutin.

FILMS IN TORONTO:  TIFF Bell Lightbox: Catching a movie anytime with a bag of fresh popcorn is a great escape but if you’re a fan of discovering unforgettable and real gems then be sure to see what’s playing at TIFF Bell Lightbox. There is always something conversation worthy to see. Keep an eye out this May for Canadian Screen Award winners including Riceboy Sleeps and Brother.  Hot Docs Film Festival is also coming up quickly with an incredible line up of documentaries worth seeing including COVEN about three millennial women who identify as witches. We’ve interviewed one that also calls Toronto home. Her fascinating story leads her to learning about her ancestral ties to the Salem Witch Trials. Interview can be found here. 

Stranger Things Experience: For fans of the Netflix smash-hit series of the same name comes this fully immersive experience. Here you’ve agreed to be part of Hawkins Sleep Study Lab where you will undergo a series of tests. Superpowers will emerge as you come across different challenges. What it feels like to be in the Upside Down? It’s unforgettable. But don’t worry, once you get through to the other side, the “Mixtape” space will make you forget all about the demogorgons and enjoy everything 80s style. The experience takes place in the Port Lands area in a production studio space. Book in advance.

The Office Experience: (Yorkdale Shopping Centre)The mall may be a go-to rainy day activity and if you head to Yorkdale Shopping Centre and a fan of the hit television series The Office, then save an hour or two to explore this very creative experience. There are plenty of photo opportunities in the offices of Dunder Mifflin  from Pam’s reception desk to Michael’s office to the wedding chapel. You can make your confessions in the conference room and even have a disco party. If a phone rings, be sure to answer it! The “warehouse” is loaded with amazing gift items.

Disney Animation Immersive Experience: (One Yonge Street) Disney fans, young and old, will appreciate this massive experience that takes visitors behind the scenes with Disney’s most beloved animated movies of all time. Learn about the process from concept to artists to digital in making a film. Try your hand at drawing your favourite character. Then walk into the warehouse space where an incredible 360 degree projection offers a larger than life view of the all time favourite Disney animated films.

Theatre in Toronto: Various. There are many great theatre happens in our city and you can often grab last minute day-of tickets (also check sites for lotteries for special priced tickets including blockbusters Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child). But there are other productions that also are worthy of your time this Spring. Check out Crow’s Theatre, The Factory Theatre, Theatre Passe Muraille, and the Tarragon Theatre to see what’s playing now. Three worth noting…

• Clif Cardinal’s The Land Acknowledgement or As You Like It: (CAA Theatre) due to popular demand, this thought provoking play returns May 4 to 7 and is a must-see. Indigenous actor Clif Cardinal gives us way more than any audience expects as he begins his play with The Land Acknowledgement.
• A Number: St. Anne’s Parish Performance Hall. Caryl Churchill’s play “A Number” is a fascinating investigation into cloning, humanity and father son relationships. This one-hour production by Toronto-based “That Theatre Company” will provoke audience members and inspire thoughtful conversations around science, privacy and the lengths we go to protect our loved ones. On stage until May 7. More info here. 
• A Chinese Lady: Crow’s Theatre. Afong Moy is 14 years old when she is brought to the United States from Guangzhou Province in 1834. Purportedly the first Chinese woman to set foot on U.S. soil, she has been put on display for the American public as “The Chinese Lady.”Alternatingly dark, poetic, and whimsical, the play is a searing portrait of Western culture seen through the eyes of a young Chinese woman. On stage May 2 to 21.

StretchLab Toronto: (410 Adelaide Street West) A rainy day is great for taking care your yourself. You can go for a massage but have you tried a professional stretch? Recently opened StretchLab has professionally trained experts give you the best body stretch EVER. First time visitors are assessed for balance, posture and more. Then, with a consultation the staff will give you a customized stretch to help you feel more flexible, recharged, and ready to face the world!

Rumble Boxing Studio: (1235 Bay Street) Looking to blow off some pent up energy? This new boxing studio offers personal training as well as boxing classes — thinks fight club meets night club. But it’s no-contact here. You’ll just take everything out on a heavy bag in a dark room with “motivators” that will give you an energized hour of power. Not only makes you sweat you’ll also have fun doing so. Read our review here.

KANDL Artistique: (88 Avenue Road) if you’re looking for something beautiful and creative to do, KANDL offers guided make your own scented candle workshops. Professionally trained candle makers walk you through a sensorial experience exploring various fragrance notes and how to layer the essential oils. You also get to name your creation and take home your signature scented candle. Call ahead for space availability.

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The stage was set to look like any corner of any park- a bit of grass, a few rocks and a bright yellow fire hydrant. The majority of the book is set in Toronto’s High Park, so anyone who has read it will not be surprised to see this quaint setting before them.

When the play itself opens, we are introduced to the actors through their narration of the story, which they tell weaving in and out of the conversation between the two who set the whole thing up Hermes and Apollo.

For those who have not read the book, the premise (in short) is that fifteen dogs are given human intelligence by the Gods as a manner of a wager between the two. They disagree about humanity and our ability to be Happy. If one dog dies Happy, then Hermes wins and Apollo will have to do his bidding for one year. And if no dog dies happy then…. well,… you get the point.

As the actors change into dogs and the dogs come to life, we are immediately brought into this world of the K9/human mix, where the audience is made to laugh at some of the doggy antics- smelling each other’s privates, peeing on fire hydrants, licking their own genitals, and turning around 3 times before finding the exact perfect spot to lay.

In the first part of the play, the laughing of the audience can make you feel you’re watching a comedy. The actors have done a very good job at imitating dogs causing belly laughs to erupt from the viewers. Yet, moments of seriousness are brought the same reverence and the mix between comedy and drama is seamless.

The standout for me is the actor named Stephen Jackson- Torkoff who plays Prince/Zeus/Miguel and other small parts. It seems as though Stephen is able to truly step into any role he is in and when he is on stage, your eyes are drawn to him no matter the character.

As Prince, for example, he is able to take on the dog’s whimsical character so well that you forget that he plays multiple other characters. His mannerisms as Prince make the audience burst out in laughter throughout the entire play and you are tricked into believing that he is truly this dog.

And yet, seeing him as Zeus or Miguel or even a narrator doesn’t cause those characters to shine any less brightly. I think this young man will be a true star one day and Toronto will owe him a great gratitude.

All in all, Fifteen Dogs is an amazing play that is definitely worth getting to know. Crow’s Theatre should be proud of its production as it brings this book to life in such a beautiful and authentic way. And from what I saw, you might want to get your tickets now as the audience was completely full, and from what I hear, that is a common theme for each performance so far.

***

You can learn more about the play and buy tickets at Crow’s Theatre. Fifteen Dogs runs until Feb. 12^th and are $64.41.

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Iraqi carpets demark what will be the stage, all in a shade of red, and fitting together almost perfectly. In the very center, there is a large cage, with a small wooden trunk In the middle and a spotlight shining down from above. I am immediately drawn into the drama of the piece with the set, knowing that I am about to be pulled into a totally different world, with conflict at the centre.

The Bengal Tiger in the Baghdad Zoo has been a work in progress for over a year as the Crow Theatre had been all ready to go with a production in January of 2021 when everything was shut down by another COVID lockdown. The amount of detail and care the producers have put into the play shows- every small detail has been thought of and as the actors move around the stage you almost forget that this is a fictional tale.

The play moves quickly and has the perfect balance of dark comedy and dramatic moments. In one scene Uday Hussein, played brilliantly by Ali Kazmi, is carrying around the severed head of his brother and you are caught between laughter and horror, not knowing which way to turn. It is in these moments that you are truly struck by the brilliance of Rajiv Joseph and the bravery of the actors for playing such gut-wrenchingly emotional scenes night after night. The entire cast and crew deserve every second of the standing ovation.

And just a little spoiler for those who do not know- the Tiger is played by a human. In human clothes and not some sort of Halloween-type costume. Not just played, to be honest, but brilliantly played by Kristen Thomson. Thomson seems to steal every scene with her portrayal of this Bengal Tiger, with these deep existential questions about life and death. I wish I could say more, but I am not sure how to describe just how beautiful and intense she actually was.

If you are looking for a play that makes you think and laugh, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo is the one for you. I am still stuck in quandary a few days later and I doubt I am the only one.

Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo is playing at Crow’s Theatre at 345 Carlaw Ave from now until Nov. 6^th, 2022. Tickets can be bought here.

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How would you describe your comedy style?

I think I go character-based a lot. I work with one thought or premise of what I believe to be true, and I heighten that as far as it can go. I also enjoy packing a lot of words into sketches, which I later regret when learning my lines.

Who are some of your influences?

Hmm… I’ve probably learned the most about comedy from working with Carly Heffernan. She directed The Weight of It All, and is currently the Artistic Consultant of Second City Toronto. Working with The Sketchersons has also taught me about sketch writing and introduced me to wigs… a sketch can always be saved with the right wig. I can admit that my family is funnier than I am, they just never ended up doing comedy. I find a lot of influence in things that aren’t directly related to comedy. Lately Andrea Gibson’s poetry really inspires me when it comes to vulnerability and wordplay. I also watch a billion documentaries which are great for developing characters, and generating premises. Other influences would be growing up in Hamilton, and listening to a lot of music.

Who was your favourite comedian growing up?

I grew up watching a lot of SNL during the Will Ferrell era. I watched a lot of The Tom Green Show. Had a Jack Black and Tenacious D phase. I would stay up very late to watch South Park. I watched Sarah Silverman a lot. And before I started doing comedy I was obsessed with Russell Brand. Honestly, still am.

Who is your favourite comedian now?

Probably John Mulaney. I’ve been listening to the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast and having a great time. And Jenny Slate is just a pure delight.

What is your pre-show ritual?

Freaking out in my home.

What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?

I think Comedy Bar. I’ve been there every Sunday for the last 5 years performing with The Sketchersons. It just feels like home.

What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?

Podcasts! And just using my feet to walk into a show. Fringe Festivals and Sketch Comedy Festivals (like Toronto Sketch Fest) are great for seeing a lot of comedy in a short amount of time. I’m always excited about watching new comedy.

PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?

I’ll say two! Marshall Lorenzo and Emily Richardson. They’re both in The Sketchersons and have a duo Jovani. Marshall might be the funniest person I know, and Emily Richardson is a laugh riot. One day I hope the three of us will be on some version of The Real Housewives.

Tell us a joke.

Marrying your cousin isn’t as bad as it seems. If it doesn’t work out, you can still be cousins.

Do you have anything to promote right now?

Yes! You can see my solo show The Weight of It All at Crow’s Theatre as a part of the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival. Here are the dates:

March 12th 9 pm
March 13th 7 pm
March 14th  9 pm

Also I’m currently nominated for Outstanding Solo Performance in The Weight of It All by My Entertainment World. So maybe vote for me?

Where can we follow you?

Socially Media generally makes me anxious, but you can find me on insta @haggardb.

Buy tickets to TOsketchfest and see Gillian Bartolucci, please visit the Crow’s Theatre website.

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