As I sat watching the opening night performance of Cowboy Versus Samurai, I was warmed by the laughter that resounded throughout the theater. I was warmed because although the heating had mysteriously shut down for the evening, the audience was deeply into the play in spite of the cold. Our "Cowboy" play is a hilarious comedy, but it's also deeply romantic and unexpectedly political. It's a play that in a wink of the eye flows from uproarious laughter to intense silence to warm romance. The early survey comments are 95% super positive and 5% cautious. Cautious because some people wonder about the commentary inherent in the play after the laughter has faded away. There is a character, "Chester," who spouts all kinds of Asian American ideological beliefs that get a lot of laughs, and some wonder how this reflects upon the Asian American perspective. For me, this is part of the playwright's ingenious approach to the material. He uses the romance to balance the political humor, at the same time debunking extremist beliefs and supporting the reasonable core values of the Asian American perspective. Watching Kurt, Sherwin, Jeany and John play the characters with a zest and artistry that reflects the best of Mu gives me enormous personal pleasure. And it was great to hear from Raul, our director from New York, that these young actors are as good as any in the big apple. This production is going to be a great ride, one that makes us both laugh and think. And that's the best we can ask for. Michael Golamco is a fearless new voice coming from the heart of Asian America, and we're truly proud and honored to present his work.
PS - Long-time Mu supporters, or movers and shakers in the Asian American Community here in the Twin Cities know that the idea of an Asian Pacific Cultural Center has long been in the making. Please see the link below for more information:
APCC (Asian Pacific Cultural Center) Letter Writing Campaign
