MILLENNIAL ARTIST OF COLOR BY JEFFREY LO
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JAY, a millennial artist of color stands at center.
He is surrounded by four critics.
CRITIC ONE is an old white man.
CRITIC TWO is an old white man.
CRITIC THREE is a middle aged… white man.
CRITIC FOUR is an old white… woman.
JAY: Hi everyone. I really appreciate you all coming out here tonight and allowing me to share my work with you. It feels really wonderful to be able to share a part of me and my experience. It truly feels like we will be able to create a community of –
CRITIC ONE: Why is he treating us like his friends?
CRITIC TWO: I have no idea…
THE CRITICS scribble in their notebooks.
JAY: Do we have anymore folks coming? Or is it just –
CRITIC FOUR: It’s just us.
JAY: Right… got it. Can I ask a question?
CRITIC TWO: Yes?
JAY: Well, I was really hoping that this piece could speak to and reach my community and other people who share similar experiences as I do.
CRITIC TWO: Ok.
JAY: I was wondering, do your publications happen to reach out to the –
CRITIC TWO: Our publications are for mainstream consumption.
JAY: Right but in terms of specific outreach –
CRITIC TWO: If specific “communities” are interested in reading our publications. Nothing is stopping them.
JAY: … Ok. Well, before we get started I would love to give you all a bit of context. So –
CRITIC THREE: When will the real show start?
JAY: Excuse me?
CRITIC THREE: When should I start paying attention?
JAY: Um. I guess, now.
CRITIC THREE: But this isn’t the actual show.
JAY: Right, but I think it’s important I provide a bit of context –
CRITIC THREE: Why?
JAY: Because this piece explores my background as a Filipino-American –
CRITIC THREE: Do you think I can’t do my job?
JAY: I didn’t say –
CRITIC THREE: Do you think I didn’t do my research?
JAY: I’m not sure what you –
CRITIC THREE: Do you think I know nothing about the Filipino experience?
JAY: I mean… not as much as me.
CRITIC THREE: HUMPH.
CRITIC THREE scribbles in his notebook.
JAY: Um… well… fine. Ok, I guess, if you four already know about the, um, Filipino-American experience. I’d like to give you some context about some of the technology used in this piece –
CRITIC FOUR: Technology?
JAY: I’m sorry?
CRITIC FOUR: Did you say you are using technology in your art?
JAY: Yes, ma’am. I thought I might try and push the boundaries of what we are used to seeing as how young people like myself are always using our –
CRITIC FOUR: SIIIIIGGGGHHHH.
CRITIC FOUR scribbles in her notebook.
JAY: Um… Well… I hope you enjoy the show…
CRITIC ONE: I don’t understand!
CRITIC TWO: This has no meaning!
CRITIC THREE: Why would he assume HIS STORY is UNIVERSAL?
CRITIC FOUR: WHY IS IT SO LOUD?
CRITIC ONE: This is juvenile!
CRITIC TWO: They don’t know what they’re doing!
CRITIC THREE: Why must he shove his AGENDA down my throat?
CRITIC FOUR: Why was this written?
ALL CRITICS: GOODBYE!
THE CRITICS exit the stage.
JAY: I didn’t even get the chance to start…
JAY is left alone.
Lights fade.
END OF PLAY.