NORTHVILLE, MI (January 16, 2024) – Tipping Point Theatre (TPT) continues its 16^th theatrical season on February 7, 2024, with the Michigan premiere of The Chinese Lady by Lloyd Suh and directed by Metro Detroiter Jasmine Rivera. TPT’s productions of vibrant, culturally significant, captivating theatrical offerings rank among some of the best professional performances offered in the state of Michigan.

Afong Moy is fourteen years old when she’s brought to the United States from Guangzhou Province in 1834. Allegedly the first Chinese woman to set foot on U.S. soil, she has been put on display for the American public as “The Chinese Lady.” For the next half-century, she performs for curious white people, showing them how she eats, what she wears, and the highlight of the event: how she walks with bound feet. As the decades wear on, her celebrated sideshow comes to define and challenge her very sense of identity. Inspired by the true story of Afong Moy’s life, we see a dark, poetic yet whimsical portrait of America through the eyes of a young Chinese woman.  Compelling, profound, and sharply funny, it poses a question: when we look, do we really see?

“In Michigan, Asian Americans comprise the fastest growing population in the state. To bring this production to a Michigan theater is to recognize these local communities and honor their long presence in our nation’s history,” states Jasmine Rivera, director of TPT’s The Chinese Lady. “The changing face of our state brings with it the opportunity for Michiganders to listen, learn and connect with one another in ways that before were not possible, be it through community dialogues, new shared traditions or inclusive artistic exchange. The Chinese Lady, led by an Asian American creative cast and team in Michigan’s historically white-dominated professional theatre landscape, is a part of that essential turning tide.”

“Over a year ago I saw this stunning new play in Chicago” said TPT Producing Artistic Director, Julia Glander. “I wanted to bring this experience to Northville, make space for representation for our growing Asian American population, and offer something in which we could explore the unknown. This play, directed by the insightful Jasmine Rivera, will do that and more.”

TPT will host a very special opening night pre-glow reception on Saturday, February 10^th beginning at 5 p.m. in the lobby preceding the 6 p.m. performance. Hors d’oeuvres and wine will be provided free of charge to all patrons with tickets to the February 10^th performance.