Category: ESEA issues
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Theatre: Miss Saigon – a musical that can’t shake its problems
For many years I have shown little to no interest in watching Miss Saigon. A musical that’s been around since 1989 but has been constantly dogged by controversy regarding the storyline, characterisation and lyrics. However, I decided to give it a go to form my own opinion on its current…
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Lucy Liu in Charlie’s Angels: the issues with Asian representation
Lucy Liu’s co-starring role in the first two Charlie’s Angels films was seen as a breakthrough for Asian American representation on the big screen. But how good was the actual representation? This blog post explores that more.
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Film Review: The Wedding Banquet (2025)
Ang Lee’s 1993 film “The Wedding Banquet” is a classic LGBTQ/Asian American piece of cinema. It may not have necessarily really needed a remake, but Andrew Ahn’s modern take on it is warmly welcomed.
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Triple Review: Docile by Hyeseung Song, Shanghai Dolls at Kiln Theatre and Love Hurts starring Ke Huy Quan
In this first of future triple reviews, I lend my thoughts on Docile – Memoirs of a Not-So-Perfect Asian Girl by Hyeseung Song, the play Shanghai Dolls at Kiln Theatre and the film Love Hurts starring Ke Huy Quan.
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The Six Chinese Titanic survivors: Uncovering hidden British history with Voice ESEA’s ECHO exhibition
History author Steven Schwankert’s new book “The Six” uncovers the hidden and forgotten stories of the Titanic’s six Chinese survivors more than 100 years ago. Coinciding with the fateful anniversary and released as a companion to “The Six” documentary from 2021, this eye-opening book is surprisingly detailed and thought-provoking, and…
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Film Review: How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies
“How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” is the Thai film that is taking Southeast Asian cinema by storm with its heartbreaking yet beautiful and thought-provoking story about dealing with a loved one’s death but also celebrating their life. Out in UK cinemas from 26th December.
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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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Theatre: Make Way for Rose
Voice ESEA member Xindi Wei talks to “Make Way for Rose” writer and actress Runxuan Yang and director Kang Ting Ho . “Make Way for Rose” premiered at the Camden Fringe Festival in August this year.
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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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