Richard Ebihara, Wayland Quintero and Perry Yung started The SLANT Performance Group in 1995, as a way of addressing racial and sexual stereotypes with energetic and raucous power to combat the image of the silent and shy Asian.
Their first show, Big Dicks Asian Men, examined institutionalized power structures that oppressed minorities. Through music, dance, theater and humor, songs such as “No Menus Please” humanized the invisible labor force of Chinese food delivery men in NYC.
In the 10 years of SLANT’s existence as a trio, they created nine original theatrical productions and toured across America garnering critical acclaim – “Three extremely talented, young Asian American men.” – New York Times. “SLANT has a way of throwing sticks of theatrical dynamite.” – The Village Voice. “Like a Karatechop to the senses, SLANT kicks some comic ass.” – Time out New York.
Tonight they’re having a reunion concert at the First Chinese Baptist Church, 21 Pell St in New York at 7pm. The show is currently sold-out, but check back later today to see whether the event will be live-streamed. 21 Pell Street Facebook page
The evening will feature stories, spoken word, theatrics and songs from 10 years of storytelling art activism by The SLANT Performance Group. In today’s climate of heightened and renewed racism towards the AAPI communities, it is important now more than ever to make our experiences heard, and loud.
Set List
Big Dicks, Asian Men
No Menus Please
Dime A Dance
Diary of A Paper Son
Coffee and Topaz
MTA
I’m In Love with Connie Chung
It’s Tough Being Corky Lee
This event is part of the 21 Pell Street programming series and is made possible by the Creative Engagement, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC).
I caught up with the trio on the streets of Chinatown and in rehearsal at 21 Pell St.
Check out these SLANT Performance Group videos:
It’s tough being Corky Lee video:
The SLANT Performance Group Facebook Page
Dan Bacalzo’s Asian American Performance Site: A Chat with SLANT’s Perry Yung and Rick Ebihara
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UDPATE: The church is now requiring all attendees to wear a mask and bring proof of original vaccination card. Thank you for complying so we may all be safe.
***More details to come after registration.
***Please note the venue is not wheelchair or handicap accessible. Restrooms are one flight down. Hats must be removed in the church sanctuary.
Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman. She stars in and served as Executive Producer for the short independent films Hide and Seek, Balancing Act, Rom-Com Gone Wrong, Belongingness and When the World was Young (2021 DisOrient Film Audience Choice Award for Best Short Narrative). She is also the Executive Producer for The Cactus, The Language Lesson, The Writer and Cream and 2 Shugahs.
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Backstage Pass with Lia Chang 