Theater:
A Creative Medium to Explore & Discuss
the "Invasive" Chinese Mitten Crab from a Broader Social Context
Zoom play reading of Invasion of the Chinese Mitten Crabs written by Celeste Mari Williams on April 16, 2020, followed by a post-play discussion (also recorded but not included on this video).
Cast and participants: Patty Sang, Ina Chang, Rachel Rene, Erika Chang, Kathy Hsieh, Seayoung Yim, Nina Williams-Teramachi, Andy Tran, Brian Dang, Matt Dela Cruz, Van Lang Pham, Roger Tang, and David Mills.
Playwright note:
I wrote this ten-minute play, Invasion of the Chinese Mitten Crabs, in response to the resurgence of negative perceptions of Asians and Asian-Americans. This has impacted members of my Japanese American family and artists in the Seattle theater community of Asian descent. The characters include Chinese mitten crabs (E. sinensis), scientists, reporters, and narrators. I was striving for interaction between science, the media, and public perception as they witness Chinese mitten crabs migrating throughout San Fransisco waterways.
- Celeste Mari Williams
Post-Play Feedback & Comments
After watching the play reading, please comment on any or all of the following questions:
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What did you find most evocative (e.g. words and/or images that stood out)?
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Do you have a greater interest in learning more about Chinese mitten crabs (E. sinensis) or other "invasive" species?
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Since Chinese mitten crabs are a global conservation issue, how should scientist and the media communicate about them, while being mindful of negative stigma and evoking xenophobia?