Born out of pain, grief, and confusion, “would you set the table if I asked you to?” serves as a reckoning with the Asian American identity’s subjugation, derogation, but also selective privilege and complicity. Created during rising hate crimes towards Asian Americans, this action performance explores what it means to be considered human. Guided by an orator, the play centers around the metamorphosis of guests at a dinner party. What results is an experience like no other, leaving the audience questioning the binary of human and animal. 

Created by Hillary Gao (she/her) and presented as a work-in-progress showing in collaboration with movement director Marlaina Garcia Riegelsberger (they/she). 

Please join us for a brief post-show talkback!

Moderated by Elizabeth Wu and featuring contributions from the Hillary Gao and the performers: Sharon Sakai, Allison Brooks, and Nikkie Samreth.