The Chickencoop Chinaman and the Year of the Dragon: Two Plays
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Book Overview
When first produced in 1972 and 1974, these two plays created an enormous stir. Some critics condemned the playwright, others praised him. In susequent years his work has had a profound impact on a generation of young Asian American writers. With the publication of this volume, the plays can now be read and debated and enjoyed by a larger audience.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0295958332
ISBN13:9780295958330
Release Date:December 1981
Publisher:University of Washington Press
Length:183 Pages
Weight:0.61 lbs.
Dimensions:0.6" x 5.5" x 8.5"
Grade Range:Postsecondary and higher
Customer Reviews
3 ratings
A Tiny Revolution
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
Although it's true that his plays can sometimes be crude and sophomoric, there are passages in "The Chickencoop Chinaman" that foretell Mr. Chin's eventual success as an essayist and novelist - particularly in wistful and mournful monologues from the protagonist, in direct address to the audience, about childhood heroes (believing, for example, that The Lone Ranger was certainly Chinese behind that mask), and other dynamic movements that capture, and inspire, a sense of the spirit and discovery that must have permeated the burgeoning Asian-American movement of the 1970s. "The Year Of The Dragon", conversely, is more typically a real "play", structurally conforming with classic American modes of expression.
Frank Chin is the first Asian American, brave enough,
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
to challenge the stereotypes of Chinese. You need only read these famous lines in Chickencoop Chinaman: "Chinamen are made, not born, my dear. Out of junk-imports, lies, railraod scrap iron, dirty jokes, broken bottles, cigar smoke, Cosquilla Indian blood, wino spit, and lots of milk of amnesia." It's no wonder that this play is the first Asian American play produced off-Broadway. It is controversial (for good reason), angry, and thought-provoking. Did you know that George Takei played Fred Eng in The Year of the Dragon?
This Is The 1st Azn Am Play to be Professionally Produced...
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
...in America! That alone should give you a reason to read these important plays. These plays caused an uproar of controversy and discussion. Why? Because many Westerners (and Westernized Asians) had no clue of what it really meant to be Asian. Do you? If not, you should start by reading Chickencoop Chinaman or Year of the Dragon. If you would like a more academic discussion on this controversy you should purchase THE BIG AIIIEEEEE!....
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