After his wild and rollicking direction of Taylor Mac's The Walk Across America for Mother Earth, we invited Intiman Casting Director Ali el-Gasseir back this year to direct The Inexplicable Redemption of Agent G by Qui Nguyen. The third installment of Nguyen's "Gook Story Trilogy," this meta-theatrical ride features Qui Nguyen as a character trying to discover the best way to tell his family's story. Swinging wildly between genres and filled with puppets, ninjas, and rap numbers, the audience was treated to a raucously good time.
One audience member remarked that they experienced "laughter and tears, excellent commentary on societal issues and stereotypes, and really excellent performances." The cast and design team were made up entirely of BA students.
Currently running at the Seattle Repertory Theatre is Vietgone, Qui Nguyen's sequel to The Inexplicable Redemption of Agent G. The cast and team from Agent G went to see a invited dress rehearsal for Vietgone, and we were lucky enough to have Qui Nguyen and the cast of Vietgone join us at our performances!
"Meeting the playwright was such a unique opportunity," said actor Annie Willis. "Qui took the time to talk to us and give us advice about being young artists, and he was incredibly nice. The cast of Vietgone may have been the most supportive audience to see the show, it was great to have a group so familiar with Qui’s work and humor experience our show."
Check out some production photos here.