-Next on "Great Performances"... -I was a respected figure in the community, the first Asian playwright to have a play produced on Broadway.

-Daniel Dae Kim stars in "Yellow Face," the Broadway restaging of the acclaimed semi-autobiographical comedy by Tony Award-winning playwright, David Henry Hwang.

-So many articles on you.

Free publicity!

-But everyone disagreed with me!

-Inspired by events in the early 1990s, this riotous mix of fact and fiction recounts David Henry Hwang's protest of yellowface casting on Broadway... -Yellowface?

In this day and age?

Asian parts must only ever be played by Asian actors.

-...that only leads to a casting mix-up on his own play.

-Does he look Asian to you?

-What do you mean, "Look Asian"?

-Ryan Eggold co-stars as an actor who takes his role a little too seriously.

-You're right.

I don't have to live Asian every day of my life.

I am choosing to do so.

-Featuring an extraordinary ensemble cast in multiple roles.

-I feel like one of the most important responsibilities for any actor of color is to be true to their community.

-The hilarious farce reveals the intersecting complexities of race, identity, and family.

-This is a tempest in an Oriental teapot.

-You're Asian, right?

-Better be, or I am gonna kick his ass!

[ Cheers and applause ] -"Yellow Face," starts now.

♪♪ Major funding for "Great Performances" is provided by... ...and by contributions to your PBS station from viewers like you.

Thank you.

[ Chatter ] [ Chatter continues ] [ Chatter continues ] [ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -E-mail, received January 30, from Marcus G. Dahlman to David Henry Hwang.

-David, you won't believe where I am.

In China.

Guizhou Province, to be exact.

After everything that happened in the States, I needed to take some time off.

I lost it all -- my work, my relationship.

Most of all, I lost any sense of who I really am.

So I came to China, hoping to find -- I dunno, something real, true?

One night in Shanghai, another Waiguoren -- another foreigner -- told me where I could find "the soul of China."

He described this amazing village he'd just visited, and a minority tribe called the Dong.

So, I flew to the new airport in Liping, then traveled the rest of the way by bus.

As we climbed upwards, rice fields appeared, everywhere -- terraces, carved into the mountainside, centuries ago.

And finally I arrived at a village called Zhencong.

Soon as I stepped off the bus, I heard a song.

The Dong call their music "Da Ge," the "Big Song" -- melodies that can only be sung by the whole village, together.

And they have a saying, "Rice feeds the body, but song feeds the heart."

So, I've decided to stay here awhile and listen to the "Big Song."

-More than a few Asian Americans still wonder what happened to Marcus G. At the time of his downfall, a number of folks took note.

-Vice President Al Gore.

-Wow.

That is one of the strangest stories I've ever heard.

-As for my own role in the story, some Asian Americans noticed, but they chose to forgive me for my mistakes.

-Playwright Frank Chin.

-David Henry Hwang is a white racist bastard.

-Well, most of them did, anyway.

After all, I was a respected figure in the community, the first Asian playwright to have a play produced on Broadway.

I even appeared on national television -- with Lily Tomlin!

[ Applause ] -And the 1988 Tony Award for Best Play goes to... [ Gasps ] "M. Butterfly"!

Author David Henry Hwang.

Producer Stuart Ostrow and David Geffen.

[ Applause ] ♪♪ -From Mickey Rooney playing Japanese in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" to Bruce Lee being passed over in favor of David Carradine for a TV series called "Kung Fu," Asians have consistently been caricatured, denied the right even to play ourselves.

Well, it's a new day in America.

We're entering the 1990s, and all that stops now!

♪♪ [ Telephone rings ] Hello?

-Hi, David, it's BD.

-BD Wong, Tony Award-winning star of "M.

Butterfly."

June 25, 1990.

Hey, Bradd, what's up?

-You heard about this whole "Miss Saigon" business?

-You mean, the musical?

In London?

-Jonathan Pryce is playing an Asian pimp.

-Yeah, Rosalind Chao saw it there.

Said his eyes are all taped up and everything.

That would never happen here.

-They're bringing the show to Broadway.

-I know.

But this is America -- they're not gonna cast a white guy here.

-They have.

-You're sure the actor's white?

Maybe he's mixed-race.

Nowadays, it is so hard to tell.

He could have a Caucasian father, so his last name wouldn't sound Asian or maybe he's one of those Korean adoptees-- -David, it's Jonathan Pryce.

The producer's saying they conducted this world-wide talent search, and they couldn't find any Asian qualified to play the part.

-They can't do that.

-That's what a lot of us think.

-Yellowface?

In this day and age?

Asian parts must only ever be played by Asian actors.

-Um, right!

[ Laughter ] -I know how to stop this thing in its tracks.

I'm gonna write a letter.

[ Typewriter dings ] "Dear Actors Equity."

-The national union for stage actors.

-"I learned some news today, which left me feeling surprised and dismayed... -New York Times, July 13, "'Miss Saigon' Casting Protested.

Asian Americans have complained about the casting of a Caucasian in one of the show's principal Asian roles David Henry Hwang, the Tony Award-winning playwright of "M. Butterfly," registered his protest in a letter obtained by The Times."

-"I had dared to suppose that the yellowface days of Charlie Chan and Fu Manchu had been relegated forever to the closets of historical kitsch.

Mr. Pryce is an excellent actor, but I would be equally upset were he cast as an African American character like Boy Willie in August Wilson's play 'The Piano Lesson.'"

-Cameron Mackintosh, producer of "Miss Saigon:" -This is a tempest in an Oriental teapot.

[ Laughter ] -Actors Equity arranged a lunch with the "Miss Saigon" team, including producer Cameron Mackintosh.

-The gall of it, the sheer hypocrisy!

This is all because BD Wong wants a job!

And the fact that you have made a public spectacle of the issue, I don't believe we can work any longer in this atmosphere.

How can you support such a blatant restriction of artistic freedom?

-David.

-Vinnie Liff, casting director.

-If you know any Asian actor who'd be right for that part -- 40 to 50 years old, classical training, world-wide stature -- please, give me his name.

We have searched literally around the world.

-Actually, I called John Lone.

Star of "The Last Emperor.

He said his manager had contacted your office to say he was interested in the part, but no one ever called them back.

-This man is trying to stir up trouble.

-Bernard Jacobs, President of the Shubert Theaters.

-That's why you sent that letter of yours to the papers.

-No, I-I -- -If you were really seeking to do something constructive, why would you have turned this into a circus?

-You sent your letter to that reporter.

To stir up trouble.

-No, I-I didn't.

-Oh, now you're lying.

This man is a liar.

I don't know why we're even listening to him.

-The atmosphere is poisoned.

Unless conditions improve, I don't see how I can bring this show into New York.

-New York Times, August 8.

"Union Bars White in Asian Role."

-The Broadway production of "Miss Saigon" has been canceled.

-It has never been my intention to see a show canceled.

I simply felt an important point had to be made, and this has clearly been achieved.

-New York Times.

"Last night, Equity received a petition from 150 of its members to reconsider its decision."

The New York Post.

"Asian American and other protesters demonstrated yesterday in Times Square, demanding that Equity stick to its decision."

-The Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith.

-Casting decisions should be based on individual talent and merit, not on race or-- -Columnist George F. Will.

-The trendy racism of Actors' Equity.

-Frank Rich, chief drama critic, New York Times .

-"Jonathan Pryce's brilliant performance is as essential to 'Miss Saigon' as Joel Gray's was to 'Cabaret.'

Maybe even more--" -Producer Joseph Papp.

-As a producer, I have concerns about anyone imposing conditions, but as a citizen, I think Equity did the proper and heroic-- -The National Review.

-"Producer?"

"Citizen?"

As if the two states of being were somehow disconnected?

-Former New York Mayor Ed Koch.

-Now it's Actors Equity, playing the censor!

[ Laughter ] -Talk show host Dick Cavett.

-The Bonehead Decision of the Year.

-Sluchai "Miss Saigon" demonstriruyet, kak Amerikanskaye obschestva praktikuyet tsenzuru.

[ Telephone rings ] -David, it's Margaret Fung.

-Executive Director, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund.

-Equity Council is meeting tomorrow to reconsider their decision.

We're holding a rally at noon.

You come down, we'll give you a placard, the press will take a few pictures-- -Margaret...

I don't think I can make it.

-What do you mean?

-I feel we've made our point, and now-- -And now we have a chance to stop yellow face forever!

But the artistic freedom thing, between you and me, I think this is starting to make us look...bad.

-Look bad?

This is our Rosa Parks moment!

Now, tomorrow, we need you to-- -Why do you need me?

-Because you're a name the papers know and-- -That's right, it's my name out there.

My face in the papers -- the poster child for political correctness.

-Hey, I wish it were mine.

-People are getting really mad!

I can't even open a paper or listen to NPR!

-That's what happens when you stand up to white supremacy.

You're not afraid, are you?

-No!

I'm an activist.

Just like you.

-Then don't give up now.

-I am not giving up!

I'm doing what I think is best.

For everyone.

-New York Times, August 17.

"Equity Reverses 'Saigon' vote and welcomes English star."

♪♪ [ Telephone rings ] -Hello.

-Dave?

-Hi, Dad.

-Wait a second.

-[ Feedback ] -Oh!

-There!

-What happened to the connection?

-I'm using my new speakerphone.

[ Feedback ] -Well, it sounds like crap.

-Could you speak up?

It's hard to hear over this thing.

-Then pick up the receiver!

-I'll turn up the volume.

-[ Feedback ] -Oh!

Your mother, she didn't teach me how to work this thing.

-Pick up the phone!

-But that would turn off my speakerphone.

-Your speakerphone is crap!

-Why you have to talk like that?

[ Receiver clicks ] -Oh!

-That speakerphone is crap!

-Dad, I'm a little busy right now.

-Doing what?

-Trying to write a new play.

-Good idea.

-What's that supposed to mean?

-I said it was a good idea.

-It's only been three years since "M.

Butterfly."

-But you been smart.

Keeping your name in the newspapers.

That's good, son.

-You mean, all that "Miss Saigon" stuff?

Thank God, it's finally starting to die down.

-But so many articles on you.

Free publicity!

-But everyone disagreed with me!

Everyone!

All the big-shot guys.

Dick Cavett, Ed Koch.

Here, wait, this one my favorite.

-You saved the articles?

-"I am ashamed of my union, Actor's Equity!"

-Oh, yeah.

Charlton Heston.

-When I was working in a laundry, could I ever have dreamed that one day Charlton Heston would write about my son?

I'm telling you, this is the land of opportunity.

And that "Miss Saigon" -- such a big hit.

-Don't remind me, okay?

-Looks so beautiful.

All those girls -- classy.

-They're half-naked, playing prostitutes.

-But they're classy prostitutes.

-You haven't even seen the show!

-But I saw pictures in the newspaper.

That producer -- what's his name?

-Cameron Mackintosh.

-He talks about the musical -- so beautiful!

A young Vietnamese girl who gives up her baby to find a better life in America.

-Actually, she dies.

-What?

-The girl -- she kills herself.

It's her baby who finds a better life in America.

-That's even more beautiful!

-It's "Madame Butterfly" set in Vietnam.

-Dave, you should do something like that.

Is that what your new play is about?

"Madame Butterfly" set in Vietnam?

-How could I possibly -- it's already been done!

-See, I'm just so ignorant about these things.

-Besides, I already wrote a play criticizing "Madame Butterfly."

-What play was that?

-"M. Butterfly"!

-[Laughing] Oh, right, right.

You know, your "M. Butterfly" -- that play is a little weird.

[ Laughter ] -We've been over this.

-When I come to New York next month, can you get me some tickets?

-To "M.

Butterfly?"

It closed last year.

-No, no -- "Miss Saigon"!

-I can't believe you'd ask-- -My good friend, Dick Buttress, Vice Chairman of United California Bank, he told me he was in New York last month, and he couldn't even get a ticket.

I told him, "Next time you go, ask my son."

-What?

-I told him, "My son, he knows the producer, they're good friends, he worked on the show."

-Dad, I protested the show!

-What's the difference?

That McEnroe-- -Mackintosh.

-Mackintosh.

He knows how much you've done for his show, and I'll tell you something -- he's grateful to you.

-Fine.

I'll get you tickets.

I'll get your friend tickets.

Anyone you know who can't get into "Miss Saigon," just have them give me a call.

-Thanks, son.

But not right now.

-Why not?

-Because you're working.

-I'm trying.

-What are you writing about?

-Nothing.

-Your father's just curious.

-It's about Rudyard Kipling, okay?

You know, the guy who wrote "The Jungle Book"?

Kipling?

I'm working on a play that deconstructs his life and work.

Dad?

-I'll tell you the thing about "Miss Saigon."

You wanna know why it's such a big hit?

-Not really.

-Because it's real.

-A Vietnamese prostitute falls in love with some white soldier and kills herself so her baby can come to America?

-Things like that happen all the time.

-How can you say--?

-You don't know how much people want to come to America.

I see that girl, and I think, "She's like me."

-You killed yourself?

-I would've.

That's how much I wanted to come here.

Even when I didn't know anything more about America than I saw in Shanghai at the movies -- even then, I knew my real life wasn't the one I was living in China.

Second son of a cheapskate father, who didn't even know how to talk to his children.

I knew that was a fake life, and my real life was here.

All those movie stars -- Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable and Frank Sinatra -- they were the real me.

So when I finally got here, I kept on pushing.

Until one day, after I started the bank and it became a success, I looked around, at my office on the thirty-ninth floor, my house the swankiest part of San Marino, my Mercedes, my kids all in top colleges -- and I thought, "Now, I am finally living my real life, here in America."

-That's why the girl kills herself.

Because when you can see your real life, and it's someplace else, then what's the point?

If you lose hope you'll ever get there, then even if you kill yourself, it makes no difference.

-Dad, I gotta go.

-Sure, son.

But why?

-I think I know what I want to write about.

-Something besides that "Jungle Book" guy?

-Yeah.

-Good!

-TheaterWeek Magazine, September 1992.

-"Take a look at the face on the cover of this magazine.

Is he Chinese American, Asian American, plain American?

Or someone in yellowface?

Does any of this matter?

These are some of the questions raised in David Henry Hwang's new farce, 'Face Value.'"

-New York Times, October 23.

"The new play, which Mr. Hwang described as -- -A comedy of mistaken racial identity -- -"Was inspired by the fracas over the casting of Jonathan Pryce as a Eurasian pimp in 'Miss Saigon.'"

-It's a backstage farce about a musical in which the lead actor is a Caucasian playing an Asian.

On opening night, two Asian American protesters sneak in to disrupt the show, dressed in whiteface.

-Auditions for "Face Value."

Actors in the waiting room include... -Gina Torres.

I was just starting out.

-Roman Lopez.

I didn't get the job.

-My character is supposed to be the stage manager.

But she's really just a glorified maid.

-Well, stage managers sorta are.

-I think they just wanted to find a way to put a Black person into the show.

Yeah, 'cause at the end of the play, it's supposed to be like Utopia, right?

-And you can't have Utopia without Black people.

-Or without Hispanics.

Though I don't see any of us in this play.

-Even if I get this part, I'm going to be the only Black actor in the show.

And that always leads to something really annoying.

-Tell me about it.

I just did a guest star on "Matlock."

And they made me translate all my own lines into Spanish.

-Oh!

Entonces, hablas Espanol?

-Oh, no!

I just kinda faked it.

-Oh!

It's a job.

So you're auditioning for one of the white characters?

-I'm lucky that way.

-Who are you reading for?

-"Glenn."

-The white supremacist?

Talk about passing.

-In the audition room, present are... -Jerry Zaks, Director of "Face Value."

-Jay Binder, Casting Director -Rodney Hatamiya, auditioning.

He stole my job.

In this day and age -- a Caucasian playing a Chinese!

And in that horrible musical!

[Whispering] It's racist, sexist, imperialist, misogynist.

And I didn't even get an audition.

-Thank you.

-That was really great.

What an audition!

We will definitely be in touch.

He's not right, either.

-There have gotta be more Asian male actors out there.

-How about BD?

-I just -- I just don't see BD in this one.

This is our chance.

To make some fresh Asian face into a Broadway star.

For "M. Butterfly," we were looking for a Chinese drag queen who could sing and dance.

And we found lots of them!

-Yes we did.

-So why is this so much harder?

All we're looking for is a straight, masculine, Asian-leading man.

-Jay, better keep looking.

-There are hundreds of masculine Asian leading men out there.

Dozens!

-Do you know anyone?

-Is that my job?

Scour the country!

Somewhere out there, our star is waiting for us to find him!

-A performance of the play, "Go For Broke," at the Marin Community Center, California.

Starring -- -Rodney Hatamiya.

-And Marcus G. Dahlman.

-The Lost Battalion, 36 Infantry Division.

From the Lone Star State.

-They're trapped?

-Pinned down.

Crouch on all sides.

Look, I'm not gonna lie to you boys.

It's a suicide mission.

-Lt. Grayson, I'm not sure I can do this.

-Listen up, Sgt.

Watanabe.

Do it for your country.

-America?

Where I'll always be a foreigner?

Even before the war, people would ask me, "Where are you from?"

And I'd tell 'em, "Stockton, California."

Then they'd say, "No.

Where are you really from?"

And now, to them -- I'm just another enemy Jap.

-All right, then -- do it for your family.

-My family?

Rounded up by the U. S. government and thrown behind barbed wire?

-Sergeant, let's talk turkey.

When headquarters first assigned me to an all-Japanese American battalion, I was a typical Texan -- thinkin' all you boys were the enemy.

But now, I've never met a finer group of Americans.

-You're right, this is the best chance we're ever gonna get to show the world we're loyal Americans.

My parents' generation -- the Issei -- they have a saying -- Shikata ga nai.

It means, "Can't be helped."

"Nothing to be done."

-Well, then, "Shikata ga nai" to you too.

So -- ready, boys?

Charge!

-Go For Broke!

-A friend who lived in Marin sent me a newspaper article about this new show, "Go For Broke."

It was an Asian American play with a cast of two.

One of the actors -- Rodney Hatamiya -- we'd already auditioned him.

But the other guy -- Marcus G. Dahlman -- sure, his name didn't sound Asian, but as you well know, that doesn't mean anything nowadays.

And this was December.

Rehearsals for "Face Value" were supposed to start in 10 days, and we still hadn't found an actor for our lead Asian role.

The producers agreed to fly Marcus out between Christmas and New Year's for an audition.

My first thought when Marcus walked in was, "Well, it's obvious he's not 100% Asian."

Because of Equity rules, you can't just come out and ask an actor his race.

That would be illegal... and racist, hmm, yeah?

But over the years, I'd become pretty good at getting to the truth of an actor's ethnicity.

So, Marcus... where are you from?

-Actually, I was born in Seattle.

-Seattle.

Very... diverse town, isn't it?

-You know the place?

-I'm so impressed by the Asian community there.

So many...Asians.

-It's great.

-Cherry Blossom Festival, [ Laughter ] Chinese New Year's Parade -- you know?

-Sure.

-So you've been?

-Yeah, as a kid.

-The Filipino community -- they must have -some big annual, right?

Sorry, I don't uh-- -Or the Indians!

Do they have any--?

How 'bout the Vietnamese?

Koreans?

Hmong?

-I'm not really sure what you're-- -What did your family celebrate?

-Just the usual.

Like any other American.

-Of course you were!

-We had a Christmas tree and -- -Hey, you don't happen to speak any foreign languages, do you?

-Is one needed for the part?

-No, I was just-- -Good, 'cause I'm still struggling with English.

-Really?

-No, no, uh...

Sorry, I was making a -- a joke!

Not very -- -See, Marcus, I like to be direct.

-Okay.

-We are -- Oh, God -- we are looking to cast this role with an Asian.

-As you should.

-So that's all right with you?

-Well, my family background is really mixed-up, you know, it's hard to keep track.

My father is Jewish, and there are some who say that the Lost Tribe of Israel wound up in China.

[ Both laugh ] -And that's how you ended up being cast, right?

In an Asian American play?

-Um, sure.

-You felt comfortable in your role?

-I loved it.

And I did a lot of research, you know?

"Shikata ga nai."

-December 29.

Marcus G. Dahlman's audition for "Face Value."

-Chinese folklore tells of the man who dreamt he was a butterfly.

When morning came, the man awoke.

And remembered he was not a butterfly, but a man.

And that he knew, not a butterfly's joys and pains, but those of a man.

-He could only ask himself.

am I really a man who dreamt he was a butterfly?

Now dreaming he's a man?

-Could you step outside for a moment, Marcus?

-That was amazing!

-He's funny, vulnerable, strong.

-I think he's a future star.

-But, guys, does he-- Does he look Asian to you?

-What do you mean, "Look Asian?

-Well, he doesn't seem to possess any Asian features.

At all.

-And what exactly are "Asian features"?

Short, nerdy, slanty eyes?

-David!

I gotta say.

I find your question sort of offensive.

Asian faces come in a variety of shapes and sizes just like any other human beings.

Which we are, you know?

-Jay, is he Asian?

-We managed to have a little conversation on the subject.

He's not full-blooded-- -He's mixed-race.

You want to start discriminating against them now?

-David, if our leading man, who's supposed to be an Asian dressing up in whiteface, if when he takes off his make-up, he still looks white... [ Applause ] ...would that bother you?

-I'm excited because I think Marcus could be the next John Lone or BD Wong.

-At least they both look Asian!

-I have to cast this in a way that feels right to me.

And I can tell an Asian when I see one.

-Boston Globe, January 1, 1993.

-"Rehearsals have begun for David Henry Hwang's new play, 'Face Value,' which will have its pre-Broadway tryout here at the Colonial Theater."

The cast includes... -Jane Krakowski.

-And Mark Linn-Baker.

We all enjoyed working with Marcus immensely, he was a nice guy and very talented.

-We did notice that he didn't look particularly Asian.

-But it wasn't the kind of thing you come right out and ask someone.

-And everyone else said he was Asian.

-I did notice one other thing about Marcus, that he kind of kept to himself all through rehearsals.

-But I remember -- at the opening night party, out of town in Boston -- it's like he was trying to tell me something.

[ Chatter ] -Look, Jane, I like you a lot.

-How much have you had to drink tonight?

-Too much.

[ Chuckles ] I have to get something off my chest.

-Well, don't say anything you'll regret in the morning.

-Jane, I'm a fake.

-Welcome to the club.

-Huh?

-Oh, that comes with success.

The higher you get, the more you feel you don't belong there.

Like they put your name on the wrong list, and you somehow managed to sneak into the party.

-That's exactly what happened.

-You know how many other actors auditioned for your part?

-Not enough?

-Aww.

-Jane, that show in Marin -- I was playing the white guy!

-[ Gasps ] Good for you!

Marcus, you know what I do?

When I'm feeling nervous around people, I just imagine I'm playing a part.

-Yeah?

-I picture who I want to be, and then I start acting.

Try it sometime, you'll be surprised.

-Thanks, Jane.

I think I know what you're saying.

-Oh, Marcus, you are a fine fine actor.

You just have to believe in yourself a little, that's all.

Marcus has had a lot to drink tonight.

-Bet he never dreamed he'd be in a Broadway show the day he got cast as a Japanese American soldier at the Marin Community Center.

-[ Laughs ] We expecting reviews tomorrow morning?

-Yeah, yeah, we still have work to do.

But I think the critics will be encouraging.

-Knock on wood.

Ahh!

Oh, and David, just so you know, that show in Marin?

Marcus didn't play a Japanese American soldier.

-He was in the play, I read an interview.

-Oh, he was in it, all right.

But he was the white guy.

[ Laughs ] -Boston Globe, February 5.

-"Hwang's Face Value Flops on its Farce."

-Boston Phoenix.

-M. Turkey.

-New York Times.

"The critical splat in Boston of David Henry Hwang's Broadway-bound 'Face Value'..." -Unsalvageable.

- "...has the creative team now engaged in revamping a show that was essentially judged, confusing, and unfunny.

-An embarrassment that should never have been allowed to happen.

-Michael Riedel, TheaterWeek.

-"And where was playwright Hwang while Zaks was rallying the troops?

In his hotel room, rewriting furiously.

Hwang, sounding upbeat for a man whose work has been called an embarrassment, said that he found being in trouble out of town-- -Exhilarating.

Of course, I would love to have gotten good reviews, but this is the situation we're in, so we're dealing with it.

[ Disco music plays ] [ Telephone rings ] -Sticky Fingers Books & Videos.

Yeah, we got handcuffs.

Yeah, come see for yourself, bye.

Hello.

What've we got here?

"Oriental Pearls," "Enormous Lotus Blossoms," "Banzai Babes."

-Do you take Visa?

-Sorry, just cash.

Say.

Aren't you David Henry Hwang?

-Um... -Yeah!

You're David Henry Hwang, aren't you?

Saw your picture in the Sunday paper.

-You know, I never get recognized.

Anywhere.

-You're doing a show, right?

At the Colonial?

-Yeah, yeah.

-Face, eh... -Value.

-Yeah, "Face Value."

Sounds really interesting.

All that race and stuff.

-We didn't get such good reviews.

-Critics.

What do they know, huh?

You wrote that other one, right?

-Yeah.

-That "Miss Saigon"?

No, no, I didn't-- -And I'm happy to see from your choice of material that you support your people.

Oh, those!

Well I, -- Well, I try to-- -How 'bout I throw in a copy of "Asian Cravin" on the house?

-That's very kind, but-- -My pleasure.

Gotta let someone do something nice for you once in awhile, you know?

-Guess I'd better getting back to work now.

-You do that.

Oh, and David?

Screw the critics, okay?

-Thanks.

-I went back to my room and started rewriting.

And yet, a little voice kept echoing in my head.

-Oh, he was in it all right.

But he was the white guy... the white guy... [sing-song voice] the white guy!

-I decided to call Rodney Hatamiya, the actor who had worked with Marcus in "Go For Broke."

[ Telephone ringing ] -Hello?

-Rodney!

Hi.

It's David Hwang.

-So, how's the show going?

-Oh, well-- -How's Marcus?

-He's doing great.

Listen, I wanted to ask-- -He is one lucky bastard.

-What do you mean?

-That you're the one who cast him.

-I don't quite-- -Anyone else would have their thingies handed back to them on a plate by our community.

But Saint David Henry Hwang -- he can cast a white guy as an Asian and no one gives a rat's ass!

-Marcus isn't Asian?

-Say what?

-I could tell he's not 100%.

-Marcus is 100%, all right.

100% white!

You mean, you thought he was-- -Eurasian!

-You got that half right.

-[Laughing] Oh, God, this is the funniest thing I've ever-- Can you imagine if this got into the papers?

"Leader of 'Miss Saigon' protest casts white guy as Asian by mistake!"

[ Laughs ] -He's not.

-Huh?

-He's not -- Marcus.

He's not 100% white.

-C'mon!

-His father is Jewish.

-Last time I checked, Jewish was still white.

-Not necessarily.

Judaism is a religion, not a race.

-It's sort of both, isn't it?

-Like the way a wave and a particle are the same, yet different.

-What?

-Jews are both waves and particles.

-What the hell are you talking about?

-I mean, I mean, do you even know where his Jewish ancestors came from?

-Russia.

-Oh.

-I think he told me once -- what city... -Siberia!

-Huh?

-Marcus' father, he came from Siberia.

-Are you sure?

Because-- -Oh!

We talked about it!

Extensively.

-Even if you're right, how does that make him-- -Don't you know where Siberia is?

-Near the North Pole?

-Asia!

Siberia is in Asia!

Yes!

And Marcus' father is a Siberian Jew!

[ Laughter ] -But Marcus doesn't look Asian!

-Does Lou Diamond Phillips look Asian?

-Well, sort of, if you-- -Does Keanu Reeves?

-Keanu Reeves is Asian?

-Eurasian.

Just like Marcus.

Listen, Rodney, it's a new world out there.

The demographics of this country are changing so fast and sometimes we think it's only white people who gotta adjust, but we've gotta start thinking differently, too.

"Free your mind and the rest will follow.

Be color blind, don't be so shallow!"

-You're sure you're not making all this up to save your ass?

-Rodney!

Who stepped up to the line during the "Miss Saigon" fight?

-Well, you-- -Did I worry about saving my own ass then?

-Sorry, I didn't mean to-- -And another thing, Rodney.

I loved your audition.

-[ Chuckles ] You did?

It was so honest.

That's what I love most in the theater -- honesty.

-But I never got called back.

-Lots of times, the best auditions are the ones you don't have to call back.

You just know.

-Then why didn't you cast me?

-Why?

-I mean, I thought I did a kick ass job, too.

-You're too good-looking.

-Yeah.

-I'm writing this character who's insecure, unsure of his masculinity.

Who's going to believe that about you?

-He's insecure 'cause everyone thinks Asian men are nerds with little weenies.

-Like I said, who's gonna believe that about you?

-But, then-- wouldn't it have made your point even better to cast a guy like me?

-That's just what I've been thinking.

-You have?

-I'm calling to check your availability.

Once we get to New York -- to bring you out, maybe first to understudy, but then eventually to take over the part.

-God, really?

You're actually offering me-- -Of course, the play would have to settle into a healthy run first.

-Of course.

-So... We just all have to do what we can to make sure the show's a success.

Right?

-Right.

-But, David, you can't fire him.

-William Craver, David's agent.

-What do you mean, I can't fire him?

-For being white?

That would be a violation of anti-discrimination laws.

-How?

-You'd be firing him because of his race.

-But I hired him because of his race.

Or what I thought was his race.

-Everybody just sort of lets that one slide.

-So, I can hire on the basis of race, but I can't fire for that same reason?

-Right.

-Why?

-Because people don't generally sue someone for hiring them!

-So you mean I'm stuck with this guy forever, no matter what?

-Of course you can fire him.

For any reason other than his race.

-Marcus and I have really gotta talk.

-No!

Whatever you do, he can't know that you know he's white.

Once that happens, then you really can't ever fire him.

-Crap!

We're speaking to a group of Asian American students tonight.

They'll see right through him.

Then they'll blow the whistle, then I won't be able to fire him-- -David, David.

Why don't you just do all the talking at this event?

-Okay, okay -- I can do this.

I can get through this thing tonight.

Then, tomorrow, we can get rid of him.

-He'll be out of your life forever.

-Great.

So long as I help Marcus pass as an Asian, I can still fire him for being white.

-Right.

♪♪ -Welcome to the Asian American Resource Center.

I'm Gish Jen.

-Marcus!

I've been doing a little thinking.

-Yeah.

-I'm so pleased to see you all at tonight's event.

Marcus G. Dahlman.

An evening with the Creators of "Face Value."

Have you ever thought about taking a stage name?

-Like what?

-How 'bout just, "Marcus Gee"?

-So without any further delay... -I never, uh-- -...please welcome David Henry Hwang -...and Marcus-- -Marcus Gee!

[ Applause ] -David, I say this with respect.

I always think of you as a yellow sell-out.

-Mm.

Mm-hmm.

Mm-hmm.

-Well, I'm sorry you feel that-- -Broadway hit?

Tony Award?

Those are pats on the head whitey gives to his pets who make him feel good about himself.

-Yes, I saw your '"M.

Butterfly."'

I was almost the only Asian person in the theater.

-Tell em, sister!

-When the show was over, I could feel everyone... looking at me.

[ Sobs ] -That's terrible... -[ Sobbing continues ] -...but technically, it's not really my-- And with your new play, the reviews?

Hoo-wee!

Those white critics are kicking your ass all the way back to Chinatown!

-Well, I wouldn't say they were all-- -You have finally written something great for the community.

-Thank you!

-Sticking it to whitey and he can't take it!

-When did you see our show?

-I don't need to see it to know what's going on here.

-I've seen your show!

-Wonderful.

-It's so much better than the last one!

This time, no one stared at me.

-That's just great.

-In fact, there was hardly anyone in the theater at all!

-I have a question for Marcus.

You're Asian, right?

-Better be, or I am gonna kick his ass!

-Uh, well, my ancestry is really mixed up, you know, but there are some who say that the lost tribe of Israel-- -Marcus is mixed-race Asian.

That's the correct term, isn't it, Marcus?

-Uh, sure.

-We all know what yellow face does to our people!

-Tell em, sister!

-Erasure, imperialism, and the triumph of capitalist hegemony!

-Which is why I'm the one who led the "Miss Saigon" protests!

-Respect, respect!

-Put my career on the line... to stick it to whitey!

[ Laughs ] And then I wrote "Face Value" to explore-- -Excuse me!

I hadn't finished my question!

Marcus... your ancestors -- I mean, the Asian side -- where did they come from?

-Siberia, right?

They were Russian-Siberian-Asian-Jews.

Weren't they?

-Okay, sure.

-And Siberians are Asians?

-Here, I just happen to be carrying an atlas.

See, it's just north of China.

[ Chuckles ] Nowadays, we really don't "all look alike."

Looks don't matter any longer.

Marcus is like us -- he's an American.

-Mm.

-Ah.

-And Marcus, as an actor of Jewish-Siberian heritage, have you faced a lot of barriers?

-Sure you have.

Tell them.

-Uh, well, before this, my career was sort of going nowhere.

I mean, directors just didn't know what to do with me.

-Ah!

Cultural imperialism!

-Last November, I went in on this commercial call.

And they had me back five times.

Five times!

And in the end, you know what they told me?

They said I didn't "look right."

-[ Gasps ] -What?!

-That is so racist!

-I'm gonna kick their asses!

-Was growing up hard for you?

-It was, right?

-Actually, it was.

When I was seven, my parents moved to this fancy neighborhood because it had good schools.

But that made me, like, the poor kid in town.

-I know what that's like!

[ Sobs ] -So I wrote "Face Value" because-- -I tried to fit in, but the other kids all knew the truth about me.

-They all looked down on you!

-That's right!

-And you wanted to kick their asses!

-Well, at the time-- -C'mon man, say it!

-I mean, sure, I wanted to get back at them.

-They tell us, be polite, smile, keep quiet.

But the only way to survive in fascist Amerik-k-ka is to fight back!

-And... -And kick their asses!

You're right!

I wanted to kick their asses!

-Yeah!

Doesn't that feel good?

-It really does!

God, this is amazing, you guys don't even know me and to welcome me like this into your club-- -Community.

-Community.

I feel like I've finally found a home.

-We love you, Marcus!

-You know, out there in the rest of this country, everyone's on their own, fighting to stay afloat.

But you've got each other.

No, we've got each other!

-Marcus Gee, you are a role-model for us all!

-I wouldn't even be here if I didn't have the good fortune to be cast in a play by David Henry Hwang!

[ Cheers and applause ] [ Telephone rings ] -Jerry?

Sorry to call so late at night.

But do you think BD's still available?

-I don't think Marcus is working out.

[ Line ringing ] [ Answering machine beeps ] -David, it's Marcus.

Could we talk?

It's 10:30 in the morning, and I just got a call from the producers.

This is kind of important.

Call me.

Please.

-[ Answering machine beeps ] -It's 11 o'clock.

I'm assuming you know what's going on, and if this is what you want, I understand.

I'd just like the chance to hear it from you.

-[ Answering machine beeps ] -It's Marcus.

I'm at Logan Airport and my flight starts boarding in 20 minutes.

-[ Answering machine beeps ] -It's final call.

I'm heading back to San Francisco.

I just wanted to say... thank you.

I've gotten the chance to work with some wonderful artists and maybe even, through everything that happened, understand a little better who I am.

Talk to you sometime, okay?

-To delete your messages, press 7.

-[ Beep ] -Messages deleted.

-Michael Riedel, March 15.

"Face Value," the new Broadway comedy by the author of "M. Butterfly," closed before its official opening, shutting down after eight preview performances at a loss of more than two million dollars.

[ Telephone ringing ] -Hello?

-Hello?

Son?

-Hi, Dad.

-I was just calling to see how you're doing.

-Me?

I'm great.

Things are great.

And how are things money-wise?

-Dad-- -I thought you'd want to know I just made a big donation to your friend, Bill Clinton.

-He's not my friend, I just-- -You supported him, didn't you?

I talked to this guy from his campaign, told him I want to start a new group -- "Chinese Republican Bankers for Clinton."

[ Laughter ] -Would there be any other members?

-Lots!

Did you hear that Pat Buchanan wants to kick us all out of the country?

The Clinton guy -- he loved my idea.

-That's great, Dad, but-- -Now, I can finally become Ambassador to Great Britain.

-What?

-Dave, this is how things work.

You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.

Win-win!

-You know you're one of the least diplomatic people in the world.

-I know, isn't it beautiful?

I'll do it just like Frank.

My way.

-Dad, I can't really think about this right now.

-Son, why don't you come on the board of my bank?

-What?

-But I don't know the first thing about banking.

-You used to work in the bank.

Back in college, during the summers, remember?

-As a teller!

-And you were a good teller, too.

Every night, your drawer balanced.

-And what's my title going to be?

Director of Nepotism?

-If that's the title you want, fine, you can have it.

-Dad, I am not in the least qualified.

-What do you mean, you're not qualified?

You're my son.

You know, we pay our board members honorarium for attending meetings.

Just a few thousand dollars, but better than nothing.

You'll come out to LA very month.

You can stay at our house, your mother will be so happy to cook for you.

-Dad?

-And maybe you'll even decide you like banking.

-Just out of curiosity... -Huh?

-Is that a few thousand dollars a year, or per meeting?

-And total assets as of October 31, stand at $532,400,000.

-Far East National Bank board meeting.

-Steve Bubalo, Vice Chair.

-Beatrice Chang, Chief Financial Officer.

-Henry Hwang, Chairman of the Board.

Just like Frank.

I need a motion to approve the budget.

-So moved.

-Second?

Second?

-Oh!

Second.

-That's good, son.

He's learning fast.

All in favor, say "aye."

-Aye!

-Aye!

-All opposed?

-Aye.

-Okay.

We found office space right in the center of Beijing.

Brand new building, beautiful.

Beatrice?

-On Monday, we are putting out a press release announcing the opening of our Beijing office.

We want everyone to know that Far East will become the first American bank to do business in the People's Republic of China!

-Henry, this is a big deal!

-In Beijing -- after I signed the lease -- our new landlords took me to a karaoke bar.

And guess what I sang?

You'll never guess.

-"My Way."

-That's right!

They were so moved, it was beautiful.

Meeting adjourned.

-David, the wife and I went out last night -- to a musical show.

Oh, yeah?

What'd you see?

-"The King and I."

-Ah.

-And, David, that guy who played the King, you know him!

-I know a lot of Asian actors.

What was his name?

-Eh... What was his name?

He was in one of your plays.

-Which one?

-Eh... "Face the Facts," or-- -"Face Value."

-Yes, yes!

-BD Wong is in "The King and I"?

-No, no, that wasn't his name.

-But who else could it-- No!

-He had a Chinese name.

-It can't be.

-Strange thing, though, he didn't look very Chinese.

♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪ ♪♪ [ Laughter ] -Los Angeles Times.

-"The most significant thing about this "King and I" is it's ethnic-authentic casting and convincing South Asian look."

-Aw, Jesus!

-Seattle Times.

-"Gee throws off the ghost of Yul Brynner and reinvents the King for our multicultural age."

-Dave, it's that guy -- Marcus Gee!

You gave him his start, son.

-Don't remind me.

[ Laughter ] -Hmm.

[ Laughing ] -What now?!

-He's very deep.

-"Never let anyone tell you that what you look like is who you are.

Those are the limitations we have to fight.

Even people who look like me.

Especially people who look like me."

-Beautiful!

-I am going to throw up.

-You know, Dave, you should say stuff like that.

-God, I thought I got rid of him back in Boston, but he's back from the grave to torture me.

Dad, "Marcus Gee" is not even Asian!

-I had that thought.

But didn't you cast him?

-I don't wanna talk about it!

-You know, maybe, in my heart, if I can be Gary Cooper or Clark Gable, then maybe, in his, he can be Marcus Gee.

-I didn't go through all those protests and hunger strikes just so some white imposter could help himself to our hard-won opportunities.

-You went on a hunger strike?

-Sure, back in college with the other Asian students.

For two whole weeks.

-You didn't eat for two weeks?!

-Dad, I'm not stupid, of course I ate.

-But-- -We fasted in shifts.

-New York Times, April 27, 1996.

"Onstage and Off.

The newly-formed Asian American Artists Association has announced honorees for their first annual Warrior Awards.

"M. Butterfly" playwright David Henry Hwang will receive a "Visionary Warrior Award" from the organization, which was founded by Asian American film exec... -Fritz Friedman.

David, sweetheart, follow me.

By the way, your hair looks terrific.

We've arranged a little impromptu press conference with the community media.

You don't mind answering questions, do you?

-Of course not.

-Just stand here.

Journalists, please welcome David Henry Hwang.

[ Camera shutters clicking ] -I'm so pleased to be honored by the Asian American Artists Association, or AAAA... Ah.

-Oh, here comes another of tonight's awardees.

Our "Most Promising Newcomer Warrior," Marcus Gee!

[ Camera shutters clicking ] Who's managed to join us tonight, despite his grueling tour schedule in "The King and I."

You two know each other?

Well, who doesn't know Marcus, right?

-Know each other?

David actually gave me my first job!

How ya doin', dude?

We haven't talked since-- -Since I, uh -- Since you were in-- -"Face Value."

Thanks for the break, buddy!

-Mr. Gee!

-Marcus!

Marcus!

-Mr. Gee!

-Your performance in "The King and I" has been getting rave reviews all around the country.

Did you have any reservations about taking a role that some in the community have labeled stereotypical?

-Of course I did.

I feel like one of the most important responsibilities for any actor of color is to be true to their community, to make sure we only put out positive images.

Now I only agreed to be seen for the role of the King after the producers assured me that the hallmark of this production would be cultural authenticity.

[ Club music plays ] [ Chatter ] Hey, dude!

-What are you-- Don't give me that "Hey dude" crap.

-Sorry, I didn't mean to offend.

-Well, you are.

I mean, this whole thing you're doing, it's really offensive.

-Is this all about what happened in Boston?

-Of course it's about what happened in Boston!

-Dave, for me, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

-Are you really going to act like you don't know?

-Well, I wish I could say I was acting.

But I'm not that good an actor.

At least, you didn't think so.

-You're running around pretending to be Asian.

You're lying to everyone!

There -- can you follow that?

-I am trying really hard not to lie.

Okay, now and then, I have to mention the Siberian thing, which was your idea, but, as much as possible -- I am trying to speak only the truth.

-Your whole life is a lie!

-You're letting people believe-- -David, do you have a problem with anything I'm saying?

-No, it's not what you're saying-- -No, it's that I'm the one who's saying it?

Doesn't that make your position kind of racist?

-This is not that hard!

In order to be Asian, you have to have at least some Asian blood!

-I'm just saying some things that need to be said.

Doing things that need to be done.

I mean, someone's gotta step up.

-What's that supposed to mean?

-To be perfectly honest, I've been attending a lot of community functions lately.

-And I don't see you at any of them.

-You can't be-- -John Huang has founded this great new organization, the Asian Leadership Council.

-You're lecturing me?

On how to be Asian?

-Well, they're honoring me next week in DC.

And we could really use your support.

-I was an Asian American role model back when you were still a Caucasian!

-David, please, what is this some kind of popularity contest?

-No, I am not in a popularity contest with you.

-No, this is about collective empowerment, agreed?

-God, that is so easy for you to say.

-What?

-You -- You come in here that face of yours, call yourself Asian, everyone falls at your feet.

But you don't have to live as an Asian every day of your life.

No, you can just skim the cream, you -- you -- you ethnic tourist!

-You're right.

I don't have to live Asian every day of my life.

I am choosing to do so.

[ Laughter ] -Funny thing about race -- You don't get to choose.

But you wouldn't know that because you're white.

-David, are you familiar with the Chinese concept of "face"?

-Am I-- [ Scoffs ] Of course, it's -- it's -- well, you know -- -Basically, it says that the face we choose to show the world reveals who we really are.

-I knew that.

-Well, I've chosen my face.

And now I'm becoming the person I've always wanted to be.

-Marcus?

There you are, what's keeping you?

-Sorry about that.

Just got talking with David.

-Oh, hi.

-Hey, Leah.

I hadn't seen you here.

-Surprise, surprise.

Um, better get onstage quick.

They're about to auction off dinner with you.

-Mm!

Thanks.

Oh!

D.C. next week.

Remember this name -- John Huang.

It's gonna be big.

-You're dating him?

-Yes.

So... -Does he know that we -- that you and I -- that we -- -You know, it's not the first thing on my mind day and night.

-Leah, you can't become his girlfriend.

-Well, funny thing, because I already am.

-When did you meet him?

-It's none of your -- -Was it before or after he got this job in "The King and I"?

-If you must know, we're touring together.

I'm playing Tuptim again.

Shut up.

Now, if you'll excuse me -- -So he hasn't told you.

-Told me what?

-You think he's Asian, don't you?

-Not 100%, but -- -Oh, my God!

I can't believe he's dating you, of all people!

-Wait.

You think he's dating me to get back at you?

-No, not just to get back at me.

It's -- It's -- It's even weirder than that.

-Oh, my god!

-More diabolical.

-David, listen.

-It's like -- like -- he -- he wants to become me!

-Whoa!

-I know this sounds crazy.

I can hardly believe it myself.

But -- But -- -Hey, hey!

Earth to narcissist!

Yes, I did tell Marcus that you and I had been a couple.

I mean, how could we have avoided the subject.

You fired him, remember?

But, David, whatever hurt and bitterness he may have felt towards you back then, it's gone now, okay?

And let's face it -- even if he had done your play on Broadway, he'd only have ended up working for, like, one week longer.

-Leah, he's not Asian!

-David, no one is Asian enough for you.

-That's not what I'm talking about!

-Like, the way you used to criticize me for listening to The Cure.

-I never -- You thought my taste in music was too white.

-I never -- -Yes, you did!

You said... [Imitating David] "Personally, I believe in supporting Black artists."

-Oh.

I only meant, that as people of color, African-American singers are more likely to share our struggles and understand our pain.

-Mariah Carey?!

Come on!

Get real!

-Leah, Marcus isn't Asian.

Literally.

He's lying to you... and everyone around him.

He's got this entire community fooled!

But the truth is... Marcus Gee is 100% white.

-David, are you still in touch with Dr. Wasserman?

-You don't believe me?!

-I believe you are in a really unhealthy place right now.

And I think I'm gonna go.

-Well, I gotta go, too!

To the set of my TV show, "All-American Girl," starring this new comedienne Margaret Cho.

She's Korean American.

Just like you!

♪♪ -Because I wasn't Asian enough, they decided to hire an Asian consultant.

Because I was screwing it up as an Asian!

He would follow me around.

"Margaret!

Use chopsticks!

And when you're done eating, you can put them in your hair!"

♪♪ -David, I really appreciate you meeting me like this.

-Well, Leah, after our last encounter, I was surprised to hear from you.

-I-I didn't want to talk about this over the phone.

-What's wrong?

Trouble in paradise?

Catch your boyfriend putting butter on his rice?

-This is serious!

Marcus is under investigation by the government.

It all started late one night.

They called our home -- -Wait!

You and Marcus are living together?!

-Well, yeah, it just made sense -- -And what were you two doing?!

Late at night?

-Nothing!

Reading the paper, watching TV.

I don't know.

-Yeah, right.

[ Both moaning ] [ Telephone rings ] -Oh, God.

Sorry.

I should get that.

-No.

Let the machine pick up!

-It might be something important.

-Whatever it is can wait.

I can't.

-Hello?

-[ Gasps ] You are in such trouble!

[ Laughs ] -Is this Marcus Gee?

-Speaking.

-I'm calling from the office of Senator Fred Thompson on behalf of the Committee on Governmental Affairs.

-Do you realize it's 11:30 at night?

-Yes, I'm sorry.

Would you mind answering some questions?

-Can you call back in the morning?

-The Committee would be most grateful for your cooperation at this time.

Our records show that you made a donation of $250 to the Asian Pacific American Leadership Council?

-Yes, at their fund-raising dinner in Washington last year.

-Are you aware that their founder, John Huang, is under investigation?

That a good number of the donations he gathered may have violated federal campaign laws?

-What do you want from me?

-Are you an American citizen?

-What?!

-What's going on?

-Where are you from?

-You mean, where am I really from?

-What the hell?!

-What do you mean by that?

-I mean -- Never mind.

It was a joke.

-Why was that a joke?

-Because Asians are always being asked, "Where are you really from?"

-Who else has asked you this?

-You're completely clueless, aren't you?

-Why don't you clue me in?

What is your ancestry?

-My God!

They can't even ask that at auditions!

-Auditions?

-I don't have to answer that question.

-I suggest you do because there's something strange about your file!

It seems you made your donation using a false name.

-Well, yes, I -- -You realize this is a violation of federal campaign laws?

-I used my stage name.

I didn't know that was illegal.

-Why did you change your name?

-To more accurately reflect the roles I was playing.

-And what sort of roles were those?

-Asian roles.

-So is it fair to assume that your ethnicity is actually Asian?

-I don't have to answer that question.

-We keep getting stuck on that one, don't we?

-I'm going to hang up now.

-That would be a bad idea.

-This whole conversation is a bad idea.

You guys are so on the wrong track.

In fact, you know something?

You're idiots.

-[ Click ] -[ Dial tone ] -We thought that would be the end of it, but now we're getting more calls -- from the FBI, the Democratic National Committee.

-Wait.

So let me get this straight.

The government is investigating people who made donations to Presidential campaigns.

-Asians.

Just Asians.

'Cause they think foreigners tried to influence the elections.

Anyone named "Lee" or "Wong" or -- -And somehow... Marcus got on their list?

-Can you believe it?!

He made a donation using his stage name.

There's gonna be a press conference tomorrow to expose this crap and I -- -[ Chuckling ] -David, why are you laughing?

-[ Laughing ] Well, he wanted to be Asian, didn't he?

Be careful what you wish for, Captain Asian America!

-I was hoping you would show up at the press conference to help.

-Moi?

Marcus doesn't need my help.

He's a role model for us all.

-David, listen.

Asians accused of being evil foreigners.

This is exactly the kind of crap they are always throwing at us.

-Well, now they're throwing it at him.

And it is making my day!

-I can't believe this.

You used to stand for something.

Now it's -- it's like you've turned into some kind of fake Asian!

-Me?

I'm the fake Asian?

Someone's not looking in her own bed.

-Screw you.

David, you should get back to writing plays.

-New York Times.

July 9, 1997.

"Congress yesterday began long-awaited hearings on the campaign finance improprieties of 1996 with an assertion by committee chair Fred Thompson, Republican of Tennessee."

-High-level Chinese government officials crafted a plan to increase China's influence over the U.S. political process.

Our investigation suggests the plan continues today.

-"Senator Sam Brownback, Republican of Kansas."

-John Huang brought in so much money for the Democrats, because under his salary agreement, no raise money, no get bonus.

Two Huangs don't make a right.

-"Senator Richard Shelby, Republican of Alabama."

-The Chinese are everywhere!

They're real, they're here, and probably very crafty people!

-"Representative Tom DeLay, Republican of Texas."

-There's a high probability this is money from foreigners.

If you're friends with a guy named Johnny Huang and Marcus Gee and you have friends by the name of Arief and Soraya -- And I cannot even pronounce these names.

Cheong Am.

Yogesh Gandhi.

Lap Seng Unghh?

Nnnnnguh?

Enguh?

-New York Times.

March 6, 1999.

"China Stole Nuclear Secrets from Los Alamos."

Written by [bleep].

Government officials have administered lie-detector tests to a Los Alamos computer scientist who is Chinese American.

'This is going to be just as bad as the Rosenbergs,' an official recalled saying."

-In my research for this play, I read a transcript of the March 7, 1999, FBI interrogation of that scientist.

His name is Wen Ho Lee.

-Washington is under the impression that you're a spy.

And this New York Times article is doing everything but coming out with your name.

Everything is pointing to you.

-I'm just telling you!

I believe truth, and I believe honest.

And I know -- I know myself!

I did not tell anything!

Okay?

I told you more than ten times!

Eventually something will be clear-cut.

Okay?

-What are you going to tell your friends?

What are you going to tell your family?

What are you going to tell your wife and son?

They are going to say, "You know... your father is a spy."

-But I -- I'm not a spy!

-What if they decide, "Okay, we're going to polygraph your wife"?

-On what?!

On what subject?!

-What difference does it make?

-Your kids are going to have to live with this, okay?

Your wife is going to have to live with it.

This is going to eat away at them like a cancer.

Just like the cancer that you had, but all the way.

-Probably worse than the cancer.

-That's right.

It is worse than the cancer.

-Well...

Okay.

Let's -- Let's stop here.

'Cause I'm very tired.

-Wen Ho, this is serious!

Do you know who the Rosenbergs are?

-I heard them -- Yeah.

I heard them mentioned.

-The Rosenbergs are the only people that never cooperated with the federal government in an espionage case.

You know what happened to them?

They electrocuted them, Wen Ho.

-Well, it... My life, I accept it, okay?

I will try to do the best I can.

And I -- I believe eventually God -- God will make it his jud-- judgment.

-"Senator Peter Domenici, Republican of New Mexico."

-That man, Wen Ho Lee, doesn't deserve civil liberties!

-[ Crowd chanting ] Justice for Wen Ho Lee!

Justice for Wen Ho Lee!

Justice for Wen Ho Lee!

-From Japanese American concentration camps to the murder of Vincent Chin, every time the U.S. makes any Asian country its enemy, the first people they go after are Asian Americans!

Stereotyped, dehumanizing portrayals of Asians make it that much easier for them to attack us, arrest us, and even kill us!

-Justice for Wen Ho Lee!

-Justice for Wen Ho Lee!

-I'm Asian American!

Arrest me, too!

-Racial profile this!

-Asian American does not equal spy!

-Who's next?!

-Who's next?!

-Who's next?!

-Who's next?!

-Who's next?!

-Who's next?!

-Who's next?!

-Who's next?!

-[ Beep ] -Dave, it's your mother!

Just want to let you know there's going to be an article tomorrow in the New York Times... about your father.

It's a big one.

Front page.

And it's -- it's not very good.

-New York Times.

May 11th.

"China sent cash to U.S. bank, with suspicions slow to rise."

Written by [bleep].

"Late in the spring of 1996, federal bank examiners discovered that the Central Bank of China was moving tens of millions of dollars into the United States, depositing it in a maze of accounts at a small California bank: Far East National.

Some officials now suspect the money might have been intended to pay for Chinese intelligence operations.

Far East National's CEO, Henry Y. Hwang, 69, is a well-known figure among Chinese Americans in Los Angeles.

Hwang's office is decorated with photographs of himself with various American Presidents, including Bill Clinton, and with a poster from "M. Butterfly," the Broadway hit written by his son, David Henry Hwang, who was formerly a director of the bank."

-Oh, crap.

-This reporter guy.

No respect!

-Dad.

-Alice says, "Do you have an appointment?"

This guy says, "No, I have to see Mr.

Hwang."

Then he just walks in!

If I was in the bathroom, bet he'd just walk in there, too!

No class!

-The first thing we gotta think about is -- -You know, son.

I have a bathroom in my office.

-I know.

-With a shower and everything!

Beautiful!

-Henry, listen to your son!

-Dad!

The newspaper article!

-Right, right.

-Talk to your father.

-Did you see the part when he called me "short"?!

I'm 5'10"!

That's not short!

-I know.

-He called me short.

You know what that means?

The guy's a racist!

-Dad!

What's really important right now, what you really have to worry about, is the Senate investigation.

Are you going to have to testify before Shelby's banking committee?

-Of course.

-You've already been subpoenaed?

-Not yet.

But I will be.

No matter what it takes!

-Wait!

Wait!

-I told my lawyers, "You spend whatever you have to.

Pull all the strings you've got.

Get me that subpoena!"

-You want to appear before the Committee?

-Of course!

-See, Dave?!

Why you have to talk to him!

-On national television!

Lights, cameras, Senators... and me, giving it to those guys!

"You... You discriminate against Asians.

This sort of thing... must never happen in America."

-Dear, it is not going to go like that.

-Shh, shh, shh!

All around the country, people stop what they are doing, listen to me, and suddenly, the image of Asians is improved forever!

Ah!

Beautiful!

-Dave!

-Dad, it is very hard to make yourself look good before a Congressional investigation.

-What about Oliver North?

-Well, it's not impossible.

-What does Ollie North have that I don't?!

First, I become a spokesman for Asians all around this country.

Then next, who knows?

Maybe...Governor of California!

-Ohh!

He thinks he's going to become a hero!

-This article, terrible!

But the placement, very good.

Front page of the New York Times!

Dave, even you've never been above the fold.

-You really just wanna lie low and hope all this goes away!

-[ Phone ringing ] -Hang on.

-Did you see my picture?

I was wearing Armani!

-Hello?

-May I speak to David Henry Hwang?

-Speaking.

-My name is [bleep].

I wrote the article in the Times this morning about Far East National.

-Oh.

-I understand you were on Far East's board when all this occurred?

-Well, uh -- -I would like the chance to prove that you had nothing to do with this.

If you wish, our talk could be completely off the record.

-Um... -So?

Can we meet?

♪♪ ♪♪ -It's off.

-Good.

Because I don't -- -I know.

And I respect that.

-So why would you -- -Just in case you suddenly feel like there's something you want to say on the record.

It's here for your benefit.

You control it.

You just give the word, and it's ready to go.

-You're not what I expected.

I mean, the way you -- -The way I look?

-Not that there's anything wrong with the way you look.

-I look like the guy who shows up to do your taxes.

-I don't really know what I was expecting.

-I -- I suppose I should tell you about the first time I saw "M.

Butterfly."

It was one of my most memorable evenings in the theater.

-Thanks!

That's very kind.

-To be honest, it's one of the reasons it kills me to see you mixed up in all this stuff.

You don't need this.

You don't wanna go before the Senate Banking Committee.

Believe me.

The legal bills alone.

-So why did you write the article?

-Can I tell you something about myself?

I have no agenda.

If I have gotten something wrong, I'm the first who's gonna want to correct it.

Because, as a reporter, all I've got, my whole currency, is my reputation.

-But what if there's no story here?

-Then that's what I'll write.

David, I respect you a lot.

I want to be corrected.

Just give me a chance.

-Alright.

What do you want to know?

-You sat on the board of Far East National for quite a few years.

Why?

-Ah, well, basically as a favor to my father.

-Do you want to go on the record about this?

You can go off at any moment, just by punching this button.

-I can turn it off?

-Absolutely.

-Alright.

When my father first asked me, I was coming off one of the busiest years of my career.

[ Chuckles ] I turned him down at first.

-[ Chuckles ] How did he convince you?

-Well, he said, "Son, I need your help."

And, you know, growing up in a Chinese family, you feel an intense sense of duty to your parents.

Filial piety is deeply ingrained in the culture.

So Dad took me to the grave of my Ti-Ti, my paternal grandfather, and there we lit joss sticks -- incense.

And it was as if the voices of my ancestors rose up, telling me it was my filial duty to join the bank board.

Of course, I also felt a sense of responsibility to the Chinese American community.

-Can you explain?

-Far East National served immigrants, refugees.

I thought, if I can help the bank succeed, it would help us all.

As Chinese Americans, we have to empower ourselves by any means necessary.

-This empowerment is important to you.

-It's the reason for everything I do.

Just a few years ago, for instance, I started to conquer a new world, network television, through which I'd be able to dispel stereotypes and create positive images.

-Your television project.

Was it the Margaret Cho show?

[ Click ] -I'd really rather not talk about that, alright?

-You're the boss.

-You know I was only a consultant.

-I understand.

The whole subject, gone.

[ Click ] May I?

Um, these large deposits from China.

When they started rolling into the bank, were you aware of the size of these amounts?

-Well, you see, as a board member, I really wasn't all that concerned with the bank's finances.

-No?

-No.

See...

I saw my role more as spiritual and moral compass.

-Huh!

Could you explain that statement?

-Well, you have to fight the power.

-What power is that?

-To put it bluntly, white America.

We have to come together and marshal our collective resources to gain influence in this country.

-And so, from your position as a board member, you sought to use Far East resources to gain influence... -Yes!

-...for China.

-No!

I didn't say that.

-I'm sorry.

I thought you did.

-No.

I was talking about gaining influence for Chinese Americans.

-Right.

-Not China.

There's a difference.

-But still... -What?

-Obviously, if China becomes more powerful, that strengthens the hand of the Chinese living here.

Wouldn't you agree?

-No!

I don't agree.

-You don't?

-Listen.

My loyalty is to America.

-But you just said you sought to "fight the power" of white America.

Isn't that true?

Before you punch that button, I think it's only fair to tell you I've already gotten everything I need for my story.

End this interview now, and you're not doing yourself any favors.

Serious charges have been leveled against Far East National -- money laundering, violation of campaign finance laws, aiding a foreign power, possibly even complicity in espionage.

As a bank director, you are legally and financially responsible for the activities under your watch.

You look at me as if I'm your enemy, but I have no agenda.

Which means I could be the best friend you've got in the world right now... assuming you're innocent.

Do I believe you solicited illegal deposits from China?

Of course not.

-Huh!

-Do I believe you knew about the activity and turned a blind eye, at least in part to further the empowerment of your community?

That's a more complicated question.

But if you're innocent, I'm gonna need more from you than the kind of spin you'd dish out to Arts & Leisure.

No, I'm gonna need some real meat.

-Look.

I'm telling the truth!

I knew practically nothing about the bank's dealings.

Really!

-I realize you were just Daddy's little rubber stamp, but that fact puts you in a position to enlighten me about something far more interesting than any balance sheet.

-Like what?

-I want to know about your father.

How often does he go to China?

Who does he see there?

Has he ever expressed anger, bitterness, resentment towards America?

Does he still have relatives in the old country?

Friends?

Anyone connected to the government or the military?

-You're asking me to give up my father.

-Only if there's something to give up.

David, if there is one thing you care about, according to my research, it's what others think of you.

I believe you are a loyal American.

That is what I would write about you.

Just give me something to work with.

-But why are you going after my father?

-I'm reporting on the work of federal Investigators.

-Who cleared him of this stuff years ago!

-Well, now they're reopening the case.

Mr. Hwang, your father is a Chinese banker.

-Chinese American!

-Exactly.

-There's a difference!

-And it's that difference that interests me.

If I were investigating Israeli espionage, I would look to the Jewish community.

It's just logical.

Does your father see himself as more American or more Chinese?

-That question makes no sense!

-On the contrary, I think it's quite relevant.

-Well, how about you?

Do you see yourself as more American or more white?

-That's not the same thing.

-No?

-Not in the least.

-Why not?

-Because there's no conflict between being white and being American.

-Did you really just say that, that there's a conflict between being Chinese and being American?

-No!

Oh!

Of course, I didn't mean -- No.

I-I should've said it's not the same because white is a race and China is a nation.

-You should have, but you didn't.

You know, you're going to make a fascinating character... [ Audience laughter and applause ] -What?!

-When I write a play about all of this.

-You're gonna write a play?

About me?

-I'm gonna have to use that quote someplace.

-You can't.

-Why not?

You're writing about me, aren't you?

-I'm a reporter!

-And I'm a playwright!

Nice to meet you!

God!

I really thought we were past all this.

"Yellow peril."

"Where are you really from?"

-You're taking my slip completely out of context!

-No.

I'm putting it in context.

According to my research, let's review your stories.

The Asian campaign finance scandal, Wen Ho Lee, and now the charges against Far East National.

They're all yours, aren't they?

-I wrote each one with a partner.

-Oh, don't be modest.

It's amazing to think that one reporter has broken all those stories, that you manage to find so many evil Asians lurking in so many dark corners of this country.

You look at folks like my Dad, like Wen Ho Lee, and suddenly their eyes might as well be taped-up and covered in yellow clown makeup.

'Cause all you see are all the bad guys in the movies who ever put on yellowface.

-You have no idea what I do or don't see.

-Alright.

Then as background research for my new play, would you care to explain why people of Chinese ancestry aren't real Americans?

-Mr. Hwang, there is ample evidence of illegal Chinese activity in this country.

Your father received $92 million in deposits from China.

How do you explain that?

-I'd say he was successful.

-Obviously.

But the money was funneled into a maze of accounts.

-They're supposed to put $92 million in one account?!

-So you're gonna sit there and tell me this entire investigation is completely baseless?

-You know, you could have accused my Dad of a half-dozen other things, and I would've gone, "Okay, well, maybe."

But disloyalty to America?

A country he loves... and that's been his home for the last 50 years?

How come, with Asians, the charge that always makes headlines is also the least original?

-Okay.

I gave you your chance.

[ Click ] -I feel it's only fair to warn you.

I already have everything I need to write my play.

[ Audience laughter and applause ] -Yeah, as if that's so difficult.

Anything missing from your story, hell, you just go make it up.

-Isn't that what all writers do?

-I search for a story to fit the facts, not the other way around.

-Ah, but you arrange the facts, decide what's important and what's not, until you find a story that makes sense to your mind.

-You don't like my stories, fine.

I present them as theories.

-And I present mine as fiction.

So what do you care if you end up in my play?

-I am no one!

There's nothing about me in the media.

You see, Mr. Hwang, I'm anonymous.

-All the more reason for me to start writing.

You really deserve a little more attention for your impressive body of work.

-Just understand this -- if you use my real name, you will find yourself in court.

The Times is quite vigilant in matters like these.

-You can't sue me if this conversation actually happened.

-As far as I'm concerned, it didn't.

-But there's a tape.

-What tape?

-So how will you write your story on me?

-I won't.

Fortunately, you didn't provide any useful information for my research.

-Funny, 'cause you provided plenty for my play.

-Sorry.

You can't use my name.

But, hey, you can always use your own.

-Don't be ridiculous.

When you write an autobiographical play, no one uses their real name.

That would be self-indulgent!

-You talk like someone who's actually written a play in ages.

-Well, thank you.

For giving me something to say again.

-Have a good time before the Senate Banking Committee.

It's an experience.

Believe me.

Maybe you can write about it.

♪♪ -Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Far East National Bank is ordered to close its Beijing office.

We couldn't possibly have allowed that branch to remain open, not while the bank was under investigation.

-David, we still have more treatment options available for your father, but so far, his cancer markers are not going down, and the PET scan suggests the condition may have metastasized to his liver.

-[ Monitor beeping ] -[ Siren wails ] -Listen, Dad.

Mom found this new gene-therapy treatment.

It's experimental, but we think we can get you into the clinical -- -Wait.

You know, son...

I used to believe in America.

But now I don't anymore.

I don't even put my money into minority banks anymore because the system doesn't play fair.

I put my money into mainstream banks, where at least it'll be safe.

When I was a kid in Shanghai... my favorite star of all was Jimmy Stewart.

He was... so kind... always doing things for other people.

And when the chips were down, he would give it to the bad guys, tell them off, and everyone would listen to him.

When I started the bank, I thought... "Now I can be Jimmy Stewart, too."

But...when I try to stop those guys... ...who are after me...

...I can't beat them this time.

I'm not Jimmy Stewart after all.

So, Dave...

I don't want any new fancy treatment.

My real life... it's not here anymore.

I'm ready to go.

And I'll do it... my way.

[ Elevator bell dings ] -David!

I heard about your father's illness.

And if there's anything I can do to help, anything at all!

-Why are you torturing me?!

Why won't you leave me alone, get out of my life?!

Why do you keep popping up everywhere I look being all good and noble and completely disgusting?!

-Well, thanks for the compliment.

-Why do you do all this?

-Because it feels good to be part of something bigger than myself.

How's your dad?

-Hanging around the ICU, career in tatters, trying to survive an American purge.

Other than that, he's great!

-I read that story about him in the Times.

-You and the rest of the world.

It's all gotten too big.

Too many investigations.

They gotta bag some game or else end up looking really bad.

That's all Dad needs -- to finish his life in prison.

-Well, what can we do to help him?

-You can help me... by going away!

-Sorry!

I was just trying to -- -Yeah, well, it's easy for you to "help."

You're holding all the cards.

-I'm under investigation, too, remember?

-And all you'd have to do to save yourself is take off your mask, let them know who you really are.

-You think I don't know that?

Sure, I could save myself, but what good would that do the community?

The investigators would hush up my case and keep going after people like your dad.

-Unless they couldn't.

-Couldn't what?

-I mean, unless they couldn't hush it up.

-I don't -- -Listen!

You really want to help the community?

-Yes, but -- -Then take off your mask!

Not behind closed doors or on some little cellphone call.

No, do it in public, where the bastards won't be able to make you go away!

Can you imagine... how idiotic all their investigations will look once the American public learns that in their determination to find evil Chinese spies, this government spent millions of taxpayer dollars just to end up going after a 100%-white American?

-You want me to talk to the press?

But, David, if I go public with who I really am, I'll have to leave the community.

I mean, people will be so pissed, they'll never accept me again.

And, David, I love this community.

-How much?

More than yourself?

-You know, it wouldn't be just me who'd get into trouble.

It would be you, too.

-What are you talking about?

-How could I come out as white without having to explain how I got mistaken as Asian?

-Good point!

-So we agree.

-Alright.

Then I'll go with you to the interview, explain how this whole misunderstanding came about, that you'd never have been able to pass yourself off as Asian except for me... that it was all... my fault.

-You would do that?

You know, it'll make you look bad.

-Marcus... do you remember the Chinese concept of "face"?

-[ Chuckles ] Yes, but why -- -I'm willing to go out there and lose my face.

How 'bout you?

-New York Times.

"Staffers Probing Chinese Investigations Cast Too Wide a Net."

Written by...me.

"Officials probing accusations of illegal campaign contributions from Chinese donors are investigating a U.S. citizen..." -Both: "With no Asian ancestry at all."

I'm reading this in the paper, so it can't possibly be true.

Right?

-Leah, please!

Nothing has really changed about me.

Just my past.

Right?

-I see.

Yes.

Right.

Which means everything has changed about you, Marcus!

Did you ever tell me the truth about anything?!

-Leah, I love you!

Okay?

That was never a lie.

You gotta believe me!

-I do.

And believing you makes me sick to my stomach.

Don't touch me!

-"The origins of this almost comical mishap involve a strange cast of characters, including Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang.

[ Camera shutters clicking ] -I cast Marcus as an Asian in my play... ...not knowing he was actually... a white man.

After I realized my mistake, I tried to conceal my blunder by passing him off as a... ...Siberian Jew.

-How could I resist a story like that?

It was just too delicious.

And you see?

I told the truth.

I really have no agenda.

-After the Times ran its story unmasking Marcus, Jay Leno joked in his monologue that federal investigators were now planning to go after Pamela and Tommy Lee, Neil Sedaka, and the Wu Tang Clan.

[ Audience laughter ] This marked the turning point in the Chinese espionage scandals of the late 1990s.

Shelby's banking committee ended their investigation without ever subpoenaing my father.

Fred Thompson's probe withered away.

Wen Ho Lee spent nine months in solitary confinement before the charges against him were finally dropped by Judge James Parker.

-I sincerely apologize to you, Dr. Lee, for the unfair manner you were held in captivity, which has embarrassed our nation and all of its citizens.

-Rocco Palmieri, former aide to Senator Fred Thompson, posting on RealClearPolitics.com.

So, the Chinese won the first round.

But we were on the right track.

9/11 threw this country into an extended distraction phase.

Once Osama Bin Laden and his cronies have been eliminated, this country will wake up and realize while we've been expending our time and resources in the Middle East, our real enemies have been taking advantage of this window to make themselves even more formidable.

The Chinese investigations aren't over, not by a long shot.

They're merely on hiatus until our next war begins.

Because America's real enemy in the 21st century will be China."

♪♪ -New York Times.

October 13, 2005.

"Henry Y. Hwang, who founded the first Asian American-owned federally chartered bank in the continental United States... ...died Saturday at his home in San Marino, California.

He was 77."

♪♪ ♪♪ -My father's obituary was picked up by the wire services and ran in over 250 media outlets from Mississippi to Taiwan.

I think he would have liked that.

Marcus came to my father's memorial service.

[ Audience laughter ] Afterwards, we went for a walk.

I always kind of believed that Dad would be able to talk his way out of anything.

He was the only person I'd ever known who went in for an IRS audit and came out with a bigger refund.

-I see your point.

-I can't believe he's really gone.

-I'm sorry.

-But here's the part that gets me.

In the end, he even lost his dream.

And you know something?

Maybe that's what really killed him.

Sick as I got of hearing his shtick, it had been Dad's whole life -- his faith that, in America, you can imagine who you want to be and, through sheer will and determination, become that person.

If only it were true.

[ Laughter ] -But it is.

Look at me.

-Huh?

-I imagined myself as something completely different than what I was!

-No, no, no, no!

-And then, through sheer will and determination, just like your Dad!

-I can't believe you are going there!

Listen!

You are nobody's idea of the American dream, okay?

-Then why did you create me?

-Uh... Marcus... -Be honest.

I'm a character... in this play that you've written about your dad and yourself and what happened with that -- that reporter, who we're not supposed to say his real name.

-I wasn't planning to get into this.

-Well, I think you should.

-No!

See?

I was planning to maintain the ambiguity about reality and fiction through the end of the play.

-Well, I think that's intellectually dishonest!

-Hey!

Hey!

If you're my creation, then do what I say!

-Come on, Dave!

Any character worth their salt eventually goes their own way.

Now tell the truth.

You can do it.

-This is... kind of humiliating.

-Well, it's a little late in the show to start worrying about humiliating yourself.

-Marcus is a fictional character.

Created by me.

Buh!

-Oh.

Why?

-Because!

I'm a writer.

And, in the end, everything's always all about me.

[ Scoffs ] -And?

-Okay.

Years ago, I discovered a face, one that I could live better and more fully than anything I'd ever tried.

But as the years went by, my face became my mask.

And I became just another actor running around in yellowface.

That's where you came in, to take my mask and put it on your own face and wear it better than I ever did.

'Cause that was Dad's dream -- a world where he could be Jimmy Stewart... and a white guy can even be Asian.

But in the end... Dad couldn't be Jimmy Stewart.

And now he's gone.

So all I can do is take Dad's dream and try and make it... ...better.

-Which means I gotta go.

But do me a favor.

Write me a happy ending, okay?

-They're not my specialty.

But I'll try.

I'll send you to a Chinese village called Zhencong.

E-mail from Marcus G. Dahlman to David Henry Hwang.

Received... sometime tomorrow.

-David!

It happened!

At last!

Nine months after my arrival in Dong Country.

Tonight, as they gathered together for the Big Song, I saw a couple of villagers gesturing for me to come closer.

I got up and ascended the steps under the eaves to the pagoda, and no one stopped me.

And then the music began to speak to me in words only I could hear.

♪♪ "Get over yourself."

This song is only doing what it has always done -- taking in voices from all the lands and all the peoples who have ever crossed its path.

And though that road has been messy, it made this song.

You think your story's over?

Well, there is so much more work to be done.

So if you like this song so much, go -- make your own, something of value, something you give back for all the time you have taken and all the air you have breathed.

[ Singers vocalizing ] -Marcus leaves to find his own story.

And I go back to work, trying to sing... [ Chuckles ] ...the Big Song.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪ ♪♪ -To find out more about this and other "Great Performances" programs, visit pbs.org/greatperformances and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

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