Wong Flew Over the Cuckoo’s nest is a piece of high-energy, emotional roller coaster ride of performance art, starring Kristina Wong.  Wong Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is about the high suicide rates among Asian American women. This is a heavy issue that is often ignored or swept under the rug.

Wong was the one-and-only star of the play; she unapologetically tackled the perpetuated images of Asian American women in the media, the heavy societal pressures on Asian American women, communication barriers in Asian families, and the disconnect between our government/health care system and those who are in need of mental health care– all with sharp sarcasm and bold honesty.

The performance was zainy, off-the-wall and shocking at times. Occasionally, I found myself curiously raising my eyebrow, while other times I laughed and I found myself looking around to gauge the reactions of the audience. Wong cleverly engaged the audience during the performance, which pleasantly surprised me. I also have to add that there were graphic sexual innuendos and crude language, thus, I wouldn’t bring your adorable, 9 year old almond-eyed, pigtail sportin’ little sister to this performance.

I didn’t walk out of the theater feeling enlightened or empowered (I’m an Asian American woman myself who has studied this issue in the past) and I wonder if others did. I talked to a gentleman after the show who told me his key take away was, “All Asian women are crazy”. I most certainly disagree with him but I could see where someone who may be ignorant to this issue may think this way, based on Wong’s unconventional performance. Overall, I enjoyed it but if you saw the performance, I’d really like to hear your thoughts. What did you think of Wong’s performance? Do you think it covered all the issues of depression, suicide and Asian American women or do you think it was baloney?

Unfortunately, October 5th was the closing show but if you are in Santa Monica, be sure to check out TeAda Productions- they’re the group that organizes these shows.

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Violet is a guest blogger for GOProductionsLA.  She’s a twenty something, Asian American chick  livin’ up the party life in Los Angeles. Find her at Cabana club on Fridays  and the newest restaurants and bars every other day of the week. If you’d like a fresh perspective, have a topic you’d like to see discussed or just want to say bonjour, email Violet :  Violet [at] GoProductionsLA [dot] com