In the novel “Interior Chinatown,” American-Chinese author Charles Yu vividly portrays the main character, Willis Wu, as a son with no achievements, a delivery person, a silent sidekick, trapped between two worlds, a bit-part player, a striving immigrant, and an ordinary Asian man dreaming of becoming a kung fu hero. Through a unique narrative style, Yu delves into the seemingly mundane lives of second-generation Asian immigrants in Chinatown, turning it into a comical yet poignant identity laboratory. The mind-bending storyline within the play-within-a-play concept adds depth to the backdrop of “Chinatown.”
The multitude of stories of Asian immigrants in America has been masterfully captured by Charles Yu, blending script format, family drama, and social commentary in his novel. The adaptation of “Interior Chinatown” into a TV series by Hulu in 2024 reignited discussions on the identity of Asian Americans.
Since Juan Rodriguez, the first immigrant from the Spanish island, arrived in New York on a Dutch ship in 1613, the city has evolved into a hub of opportunities, resilience, and multiculturalism. Dreams and determination have shaped the diverse immigrant communities in the enduring cultural mosaic of New York City.
The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) in New York’s Chinatown is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich history and contributions of Chinese Americans. Recently, they launched the 2024-25 National Education Association (NEA) Big Read program featuring acclaimed works like Charles Yu’s “Interior Chinatown,” adapted into a 40-minute stage play. The museum transformed into a creative stage on April 18 and 19, immersing the audience in two theatrical experiences delving into the world of Willis Wu.
Willis’ quote, “Kung Fu guy is just another form of everyday Asian man,” challenges the oversimplified and stereotypical representations of Asians in American film and media. The internalization of these labels has confined Asians to being seen solely as martial arts characters, perpetuating passive self-defense mechanisms.
The title “Interior Chinatown” alludes to the setting of the story and the protagonist’s role in a TV show within the novel. Willis questions the audience about their perception of him – an Asian guy or an American? His inquiry sheds light on the absence of Asian characters as leads in the American narrative, always relegated to supporting or background roles.
Following a stage performance at MOCA, actor Andre Chan, who played Willis Wu, shared his insights into the character. Willis embodies a confused Asian man yearning to be seen, resorting to exaggerated antics to grab attention, a response rooted in insecurity.
Andre, growing up in Indonesia and Singapore, idolized Bruce Lee and aspired to shine on screen like the martial arts legend. However, his experiences in casting calls offered soulless background roles, reinforcing the notion that he was meant to remain in the shadows.
The transition from aspiring lead to a forgotten extra became a pivotal moment for Andre in understanding Willis. Realizing the need to break free from societal labels, Andre emphasized the importance of authentic representation and self-expression in a community still finding its voice.
Andy, a recent immigrant from Hong Kong, reflected on his newfound identity as a minority in America through his stage narration experience, navigating the nuances of Asian immigrant backgrounds for the audience.
The adaptation of “Interior Chinatown” into a mainstream TV series by Hulu marks a milestone in the progression of Asian narratives in Hollywood, following the wave initiated by Netflix series like “Beef” and the Oscar-winning film “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” The true breakthrough lies not in Asians playing leads but in portraying individuals rather than stereotypes. It signifies a shift towards authentic Asian representation in the entertainment industry.
By giving a platform to “Interior Chinatown,” Hulu’s adaptation celebrates Asian actors and characters, moving beyond tokenism to nurture future talents within stories like those from the heart of Chinatown.