Night Train (2024-)
Drawing upon the vibrant legacies of Chinese-American workers who contributed to labor, railroad, and film industries of Los Angeles, the artist activates historic Pico House, one of the oldest buildings at the “birthplace” of Los Angeles, across the street from Union Station train station, in a performance developed onsite and in response to the neighborhood’s complex, real, and cinematic histories, and inspired by silent film The Toll of the Sea starring Anna May Wong.
Night Train
by Michelle Sui
part 1 sea weed
part 2 light flare
part 3 night train (the last scene)
Everyone thought Lotus Flower threw herself into the ocean. But she takes a ship from the film set in Pasadena to America, docks at the harbor, rides a wild horse up the coast and checks herself into the Pico House, the finest hotel of Southern California.
A lightness fills the hall, like love that changes the air quality. It usually takes her a while to get out of character, but at this point she is feeling sort of like Anna May Wong again, whoever that is supposed to be, anyway.
There are no Chinese women here, thanks to the Page Act of 1875. But the pool is made for swimming. The other actress is here, the one they cut out of the movie––probably for the AC. Is this a lesbian bar? (Finally, something around Union Station ) ) They’ve cut their hair and gotten bangs. Are they mocking me?
“Tonight, we take the night train to Shanghai.” That is the show everyone came to see. In the courtyard, Blue Lotus sings a song, by the fountain of forgotten waters. The memory of the sun illuminates all our cultural memories.
This, too, is a public space. The AC may be too loud for proper listening.
pico house august 25, 2024
performed by carissa matsushima, thomas bañuelos, michelle sui and the public ensemble
production design by alexah acuña
written, choreographed, and directed by michelle sui
