On the Subject of Bananas
“banana” a pejorative term used to describe Asian Americans - yellow on the outside, white on the inside.
This piece uses humor, text, and partnerwork within movement to explore the reception, meaning, and absurdity of the term “banana.”
Choreography by Stephanie Shin in collaboration with dancers
Danced by Maya Lam, Rachel Ha-Eun Lee, and Stephanie Shin
Made possible by 14 Street Y Dance Residency and AAPI Festival 2023 curated by J Chen Project and Arts on Site.
“The concept and technical delivery was motivated and cohesive. On a topic that may be uncomfortable to discuss, the audience was able to release in laughter at key points so you felt in on the ‘joke’ and able to understand the power and pain of pejorative language.”
– An audience member
An initial work in progress premiered in August 2023
Choreography by Stephanie Shin in collaboration with dancers
Danced by Maya Lam and Rachel Ha-Eun Lee
Presented by the AAPI Festival 2023 curated by J Chen Project and Arts on Site