In Chinese Republicans, four women of Chinese heritage and spanning three generations are gathered for an Affinity Luncheon near their New York City office. As co-workers at a stressful international investment banking firm, they look forward to these supportive gatherings, not to mention the turnip cakes. Their stated purpose this time is to welcome their newest member — the pretty and giddy 24 year old Katie — and celebrate her recent promotion. Managing Director Ellen has been acting as Katie’s mentor, giving her encouragement and hints about how best to reach the next rung of the ladder. Corporate consultant Phyllis, who once held Ellen’s current job, plays healthy skeptic to Ellen’s cheerleader. The most conservative of the group, she punctuates many of her observations with a pointed “Thanks, Obama.” Also in attendance is Chinese citizen Iris. She is in the US on a Work Visa and hoping her contributions to the firm will allow her to stay. But from what we can see, her main responsibility is to get the lunch ordered correctly.
Over the course of numerous encounters and flashbacks, we watch the foursome jockey for position, sometimes in support of one another and more often in competition. All four are trying to cope with pressures both cultural and corporate; sometimes responding in anger and other times tactically. Their varying viewpoints on what it means to be Chinese add an intriguing element to their sparring.
Quite a bit of obvious shorthand is used to backfill the women’s histories with the intention of clarifying their current motivations. Such narrow definition of character leaves Jennifer Ikeda (Ellen), Jully Lee (Iris), Jodi Long (Phyllis), and Anna Zavelson (Katie) without the ability to shine at full wattage. Some right leaning political views are mixed in with the abbreviated development (whoosh hate crime, whoosh abortion, whoosh “me too”) and the placement of the action in 2019 avoids the most thorny topics. Often director Chay Yew relies on elevated voices and manic gestures to take the place of more involving connection.
Playwright Alex Lin has generated enormous enthusiastic buzz, most recently for her Lear-inspired Laowang. In Chinese Republicans, what she sacrifices in keener character arcs, she makes up for in startling imagery. She demonstrates a flair for switching tones from heart attack-inducing conflict to door-slamming farce. Based on Lin’s obvious talent and genuine interest in her subject matter, there is a deeper, more distinctive, and less strident script just beyond our reach. While it certainly never gets boring, as the piece approaches its final 15 minutes the plot losses focus.
The play’s atmosphere is nicely detailed. Costume designer Anita Yavich provides a wardrobe made for code switching, mixing business attire with Asian-inspired accessories. The sound design by Fabian Obispo incorporates original music and big city hubbub. Impressive sets by Wilson Chin include an attractive modern restaurant and the imposing wall of the investment firm. To prepare for the varying degrees of fluency in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English, the company enlisted dialogue coach Ka-Ling Cheung.
With a great deal to say and an unconventional blending of styles, Chinese Republicans is both a thrilling and a frustrating ride. The World Premiere production, part of Roundabout’s 2025-26 season, continues through April 5. Performances are at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre, Laura Pels Theatre, 111 West 46th Street. Running time is 95 minutes without an intermission. Seat prices range from very reasonable $69 – $102. The venue has superior sight lines and a small cafe on the lower level. Visit https://www.roundabouttheatre.org/get-tickets/2025-2026-season/chinese-republicans?url=/get-tickets/2025-2026-season/chinese-republicans for more information and to purchase tickets.
The Unforgettable Line 