Marisa Marquez
Article by Alison Ng
Photo credit Jeffery P. Worley
On Monday, February 2nd, two things were to take place in Manhattan: another snow flurry and the first public staged reading of The Astonishing Journey of Mabel Li and The Mysterious Ways of Lord Ba Tha Za. Despite the snow, the entire reading still took place at the HERE Art Center.
Myra Sito Velasquez
The play, written by Myra Sito Velasquez, stars nine actors – Ching Valdes-Aran, David Shih, Jennifer Betit Yen, Marisa Marquez, Hansel Tan, Jojo Gonzalez, Jan Mizushima, Jon Hoche, Siho Ellsmore, and Brian Walters – who artfully perform over thirty different characters.
The Astonishing Journey of Mabel Li and The Mysterious Ways of Lord Ba Tha Za takes place in Village Loo, a small village in China. It begins with Su Yin (Marquez), a genuinely sweet woman, who is expecting her fourth child. When she gives birth to another girl, her husband Neighbor Han (Gonzalez) throws her and her child in the river to die. The neighbors, Mei Ling (Mizushima) and Ah Yut (Hoche), the couple who is also expecting a fourth child, hear Su Yin’s screams but do nothing in fear of angering Neighbor Han. As a result, Su Yin is not only furious with her husband, but also with her betraying neighbors, and curses them all before she dies.
Jennifer Betit Yen, David Shih
Su Yin returns to the mortal world as a vengeful ghost, but her curse has already affected Mei Ying and Ah Yut through their daughter, Ugh, who is named after her ugly appearance. Enter Lord Ba Tha Za, who offers Ugh beauty in exchange for a name change and a larger price. Ugh, desperate, agrees and becomes absolutely breathtaking. From there, the play unfolds in a whirlwind of love, lies, and loss.
Overall, Velasquez’s play is quite enjoyable. It has a diverse cast of characters that cover a wide range of people, such as the innocent, the superstar, the heartthrob, and the teenage boy. In addition to that, the overarching comic elements compliment the more serious themes of the story well. And of course, the actors do a wonderful job of bringing the story to life.
While The Astonishing Journey of Mabel Li and The Mysterious Ways of Lord Ba Tha Za, is still in works, you can find more information on Velasquez’s website at http://www.myravee.com.
This was a really enjoyable reading. The story was interesting and the actors were so versatile. I was especially impressed with Jen Betit-Yen, Jan Mizushima and Brian Walters. I hope we’ll get to see those 3 more in the future!!!
This reading was nothing short of laughter. It was interesting to see how Comedy can be modified for a cast of Asian actors and still bear the same elements of comedy, as a genre.
Toys with familiar fairy tale tropes, stereotypes, and cliches in some refreshingly enjoyable ways. It’s fun to see something that’s self-aware without being as cynical and distractingly “meta” as many genre satires are. It’s clever without being aloof. There’s genuine happiness even in the midst of donkey deities and ugly ducklings. I look forward to seeing the full performance.
I love this play. It’s fun cause it’s funny and charming. It’s classic, cause it feels like a fable. A fairytale parable. It’s modern with it’s adult comedic sensibilities. I wish Myra the best, and grateful for her continued passion for her work. The actors were all fun and spot on also! A pleasure.
The script is amazing. Dynamic visuals and unique humor.
Cast is great and although it’s still progressing we can see how amazing this project will be. Very excited to see it with a full set and crew.
Thank you AsianinNY and everyone for your rich, soulful comments, just so awesome. Thank you for being there thru the slush ‘n ice. I look so forward to when we all next converge as the Journey continues…: )
and wonderful actress Tina Chilip as our stage reader!