Be Like Water (2008) is a play written by Dan Kwong, originally produced at East West Players, in association with Cedar Grove OnStage. The play received its world premiere in Los Angeles on September 17, 2008, directed by Chris Tashima, at East West Players' David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts in Los Angeles. The story follows a young Asian American girl in 1970s Chicago, who is visited by the Ghost of Bruce Lee.
Tracy Fong is a 13-year-old ass-kicking, gung-fu fanatic tomboy, challenged by school bullies, airhead rivals, and a mother who just wants her to be a "normal girl." When bad goes to worse, the Ghost of Bruce Lee appears to teach her the true meaning of strength and the true power of water.
Tracy Fong13, Chinese Japanese American. Tomboy-ish, tough, quick-tempered, defiant.
Ghost of Bruce Lee32, Tracy's mentor, Chinese American. The greatest martial artist in the world. Cocky, intense, philosophical yet funny.
Kimiko Fong38, Tracy's mother, Japanese American. Elegant, tightly-wound, upper-class roots, can go from cheery to icy in a flash.
Frank Fong35, Tracy's father, Chinese American. Easy going working-class guy, droll sense of humor, not easily angered.
Bruce Lee13, Tracy's best friend, Chinese American. Scrawny, nerdy, acerbic wit, great
disco-dancer. An unapologetic oddball.
Jeremy Morton14, School bully, Caucasian. Working-class, tough, angry.
Tina Kawai MacDonald13, Tracy's classmate,
Hapa (Japanese Caucasian). Pretty, fashionable dresser, highly groomed, rather superficial.
Two Hooded-NinjasCompanions of the Ghost in his Nether-world domain.
East West Players, Los Angeles, CA; Opened September 17, 2009; Closed October 12, 2009
(in order of appearance)
Ghost of Bruce Lee – Cesar CiprianoTracy – Saya TomiokaBruce Lee – Shawn HuangJeremy – Jonathan DeckerFrank – Michael Sun LeeKimiko – Pam HayashidaTina – Ariel RiveraHooded Ninjas – Michael Sun Lee, Pam Hayashida, Ariel Rivera, Jonathan DeckerDirector – Chris TashimaMartial Arts Choreographers – Diana Lee Inosanto & Ron BalickiDance Choreographer – Blythe MatsuiSet Designer – Akeime MitterlehnerCostume designer – Naomi YoshidaLighting designer – Jose LopezSound Designer/Music Composition – Dave IwatakiProjection Designer – Alexander GaoProperty Master – Ken TakemotoHair, Makeup & Mask Design – Alyssa RavenwoodStage Manager – Ondina V. Dominguez9/19/08 review by F. Kathleen Foley for Los Angeles Times9/19/08 review by Cristofer Gross on theatertimes.org10/01/08 review by Jennie Webb for Backstage10/02/08 review by Bill Raden for LA Weekly10/02/08 review by Jana J. Monji for Pasadena Weekly10/03/08 review by Lynda Lin for Pacific Citizen10/08/08 review on 'view from a loft' artist's blog10/17/08 review by William Hong on Asia Pacific Arts (UCLA Asia Institute)Oct. '08 review by Edward Pollard for Black Belt (magazine)2009 Backstage Garland's Critics List (Jennie Webb):CHOREOGRAPHY – Ron Balicki, Diana Lee Inosanto, and Blythe MatsuiSOUND DESIGN – Dave Iwataki
