Author: Choon Young Tan
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Exclusive Preview: “Dear Ricky” by Choon Young Tan
It’s early 2020. The world is in disarray. And so is Young’s life when family tragedy strikes and everything goes a bit topsy-turvy as well. Will he pull through ok on the other side? With his old friend “Ricky” to confide all in, Young can only hope. Based on many…
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Film Review: Didi
“Didi” is this summer’s must-watch coming of age drama about a Taiwanese-American teenage boy who struggles to fit in and appeal to everyone. Another win for Asian representation on the big screen and hopefully an Oscar win for previously nominated director Sean Wang. Out in select UK cinemas from 2nd…
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Aladdin on tour: a whole new world of ESEA representation
The story of “Aladdin” is a historical and varied one, having been through many mills of transliterations. But whatever the “street rat’s” origins are, the musical adaptation is certainly showing how diverse the theatre industry can be when it comes to casting, especially with regards to ESEA representation.
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Theatre Review: Burlesque the Musical
Ever since 2010, when Christina Aguilera made her debut on the silver screen as Ali and Cher returned to it after a decade in the now cult classic musical film “Burlesque” as Tess, gays and girls have loved its camp kitschness. Now it’s been re-immortalised as a brand new musical,…
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Theatre Review: 2:22 A Ghost Story
This version of the award-winning and critically-acclaimed thriller play “2:22 A Ghost Story” features 2 ESEA actors in lead roles and is a haunting, dramatic and a boo-rilliant must-see, whether you’re into plays or not, scared by “horrors” or not, or even believe in ghosts or not.
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30 21st Century Asian American films pushing the envelope on representation
For AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) Heritage Month, I look back at how far Asian/ESEA American representation on the big screen has improved substantially since the turn of the millennium. From “Better Luck Tomorrow” in 2002 to “Everything Everywhere All At Once” in 2022, from “Saving Face” in 2004 to…
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Film Review: Tiger Stripes
“Tiger Stripes” is the award-winning and critically-acclaimed fierce and fearless coming-of-age thriller/horror by Malaysian Amanda Nell Eu in her directorial debut, telling the tale of a girl who must deal with the animalistic effects puberty has on her life. Definitely a must-watch this summer!
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Theatre Review: Kim’s Convenience at Park Theatre
“Kim’s Convenience”, the comedic play based on writer Ins Choi’s experiences growing up in Toronto as part of immigrant family-owned stores, makes its way back to the stage after being a hit TV show. This time it makes its international debut at Park Theatre. But what does this mean for…
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Theatre Review: One Year Itch
“One Year Itch” is the great new LGBTQ comedy by writer and director Andrew Phipps, with an all-female and non-binary cast. It recently played a run at Barons Court Theatre, which I was invited along to watch and review.
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TV Review: The Brothers Sun
“The Brothers Sun” is the latest, great must-watch Netflix series starring Michelle Yeoh as it follows the twisting, violent story of a family torn by the destructive wake of Triads and the burden of loyalty and secrecy.
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