Chairs and a Long Table Tickets

Chairs and a Long Table stands as a pivotal work in Asian American theatre, written by Han Ong, a MacArthur Fellow and author of Fixer Chao and The Disinherited. The piece was produced by Ma-Yi Theater Company and directed by Linsay Firman, premiering at the Clurman Theatre, Theatre Row, NYC. It’s a sharp, timely examination of race, representation, and the casting process within a classic Chinese play, as Asian American actors in New York prepare for a conference addressing racial discrimination in casting. The production ran from October 28 to November 22, 2014, often presented in repertory with Carlos Celdran’s Livin’ La Vida Imelda. A landmark in contemporary theatre, Chairs and a Long Table helped cement Ma-Yi Theater Company’s reputation for nurturing Asian American voices.

Below you’ll find a concise biography of the playwright and the company, a look at the cast, a snapshot of the 2014 NYC engagement at Clurman Theatre, and context for its ongoing influence in American theatre. For fans and collectors, this page also aggregates official social links and resources to connect with the artists and the company.

Biography and legacy: Han Ong is an American playwright and novelist known for his perceptive explorations of identity, race, and the performing arts. His work, including The Disinherited and Fixer Chao, has earned critical acclaim and a MacArthur Fellowship. Ma-Yi Theater Company, an Obie and Lucille Lortel Award–winning organization, continues to champion Asian American voices through bold, intimate productions that challenge conventions of casting and representation. Chairs and a Long Table remains a touchstone for the dialogue around authenticity in casting and the experience of actors navigating complex cultural expectations in New York theatre.

Social links: Connect with Chairs and a Long Table’s collaborators and the Ma-Yi Theater Company through official channels below to stay informed about future events, archival materials, and ongoing conversations in Asian American theatre.

Venue context: Clurman Theatre at Theatre Row, 410 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, is a historic Off-Broadway venue known for intimate productions and bold, diverse programming. While past performances like Chairs and a Long Table defined a moment in 2014, the theatre continues to be a hub for innovative theatre across New York City and the broader region.