James Wilson takes a look at My Man Kono from Pan Asian Repertory Theatre:
Charlie Chaplin's appreciation for Japanese culture has been well documented. He visited Japan several times, and he had a deep admiration for the physicality of both Kabuki and kengeki (samurai drama). Chaplin's affection for the Japanese people, as revealed in Philip W. Chung's My Man Kono (currently playing at A.R.T. New York Theatres in a Pan Asian Repertory Theatre production), is evident in his choice to staff his household almost entirely with Japanese people. For years, Toraichi Kono, a resourceful advisor and reliable "My Man Friday" (hence, the play's title), served as Chaplin's key confidant, rising from impoverished Japanese immigrant to trusted member of his inner circle. Kono's story also exposed the deep roots of anti-Asian racism, revealing its enduring relevance from the early 20th century to today. |
