The One: New play about the Asian Australian experience opens in Sydney

A new play examines the complexities of Asian Australians finding their way in a sometimes difficult society. The comedy, which opens Friday, focuses on a brother and sister and the impending visit from their mum.

Angie Diaz and Shan-Ree Tan star in the upcoming play The One. Pictures: Supplied

Mel and her brother Eric are both Malaysian Australians, yet their identities are torn and they feel as if they’re in a constant battle between culture and family.

This is the story of “The One” — a play about Asian Australians trying to find their footing in society.

Directed by Darren Yap and written by award-winning playwright Vanessa Bates, the new family comedy play will premiere on Friday at the Ensemble Theatre in Kirribilli and run until August 22.

Angie Diaz and Shan-Ree Tan star in the upcoming play The One, at the Ensemble Theatre, Kirribilli. Pictures: Supplied

The story centres around Mel and Eric’s conflicting thoughts about their mother’s return. They’re both worried she “won’t approve of their lifestyle” and wonder who can be “the one” to make her proud.

The play was born when Ms Bates worked with many women of different races to adapt a children’s novel. The “feeling of joy” she received encouraged her to write this script and bring to life the kind of Asian representation she never saw growing up.

“This play, for me, is quite personal,” Ms Bates said. “I lived in Malaysia for quite a while as a child and when I lived in regional Australia, my three sisters and I were the only people that looked different.”

Director Darren Yap has also gone through similar experiences of confusion, the same emotions that haunt Mel and Eric, and wants audiences to feel connected to their stories.

“Even though I am a fourth generation Australian Chinese, I have no sense of where I really belong,” Mr Yap said.

The stars behind the scenes at rehearsal. Pictures: Supplied

“Where is home? Am I more Chinese or more Australian? I hope the audience will understand this.”

Shan-Ree Tan, the actor who plays Eric, is excited to see the reactions from the audience and wants everyone to enjoy the show but more importantly “recognise some of themselves in the show, whoever they are.”

“I hope we can remind folks that who and what we think of as being quintessentially Australian, and what’s an Australian story, is actually a really huge spectrum of experience,” Mr Tan said.

Mark Kilmurry, artistic director of Ensemble Theatre, said “The One” encompasses what most plays should do — reflect on society and its cultural community, and bring awareness to its audience.

“People say that going to the theatre helps you to forget, but it also helps you to remember,” Mr Kilmurry said. “And I think we have a responsibility to reflect who we are.”

Tickets are on sale now. To learn more about the play, click here.