Women of Asia

Inspired by true stories, this critically acclaimed modern play explores the everyday abuse and exploitation of Asian women and their struggles to obtain freedom. The play has been performed internationally to sell-out audiences on three continents including theatres in New York, Melbourne, Bangkok and Singapore.

An opera heroine. Two interracial marriages. An abused daughter- in-law. An under-aged prostitute. A prime minister’s wife. Seven women of diverse Asian backgrounds perform a series of vignettes about the various predicaments of women from Asia. Presented through a highly theatrical mixture of dance, comedy and tragedy, the play questions the myths and stereotypes which underpin the continuing oppression of women in the region.

Asa Palomera is a Japanese/Korean playwright and director. Trained at TISCH in New York, started her theatre career on and off Broadway under the producer, Joseph Papp. In Melbourne, she created the Women of Asia Company that produced Monologues and The Prodigal Daughter which won the ‘City of Melbourne Award for Original Play’ and was invited to open at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Her play The Curious Lives of Shakespeare & Cervantes opened at Edinburgh’s Adam House Theatre and was performed at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London before returning to Asia.

“… a powerhouse on Melbourne’s independent theatre scene.” The Age

“... lush, entertaining, challenging and passionately performed and directed.” – kate herbert theatre reviews

“Brilliant scripting, powerful stories, beautiful costumes and some unforgettable performances.” – VibeWire

“… the stories are moving and ring true ...” – Bangkok Post

“…explores the subjugation faced by women, deconstructing the myth of the “ideal” Asian wife and mother in the process. Palomera proves to be a master of powerful and intricate storytelling.” Popspoken