Sophie, Meilie and Charo, three Chinese women, come together to watch a video adaptation Sophie made of the classic play The Maids (Les Bonnes) by Jean Genet. Together as they watch the video – where two Chinese women play the maids and fantasize their revenge on their Madame – the friends speak candidly about their childhood, their love-hate relationship with whiteness, the colonization of their minds, and Crazy Rich Asians. They discuss their evolving feelings about their Chinese identity; from shame to pride to deep concern, especially in a world where China’s financial and political power continues to grow. And why do an adaptation of a play by a dead white guy anyway? Differences amongst the women emerge and tensions grow until Sophie’s desire for revenge on whiteness boils over.
Bonnes Bonnes combines documentary theatre, live on-stage cooking, projections and movement to explore how we can heal from the wounds of internalized racism. The play is also a big middle finger to everyone who made fun of the smell of our lunches at school.
