Thursday, October 15, 1998
Fabric of sweatshop life, toil explored in drama
ON-CAMPUS: Arduous conditions in factory spur Asians to depict
suffering
By Harshan Jeyakumar
Daily Bruin Contributor
Working in tiny rooms, each person with a spot on the floor, 72
Thai immigrants who came to America looking for a better
opportunity toiled away in a sweatshop, some for several years.
On Aug. 2, 1995, the discovery of this forced slave labor of
Thai immigrants in a Los Angeles apartment-turned-garment-factory
produced a public cry of disbelief throughout the nation. It also
prompted many people in the entertainment industry, such as
playwright Henry Ong, to pursue a work that would document the
unthinkable crime.
Ong, author of the critically acclaimed and internationally
produced play "Madame Mao’s Memories", immediately started
researching the issue and eventually got his third grant from the
City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department to write the play,
titled "Fabric." A special performance of this play comes to UCLA
tonight.
"The big money (directors) came from a different perspective,
looking for a white hero," says Ong, referring to Oliver Stone and
others who aspired to a production on the same subject. Ong, who is
an immigrant from Singapore, felt a personal connection to the Thai
workers who were enslaved by a high-end clothing company in an
apartment complex.
"When I first heard about it I felt indignant; I couldn’t
conceive that slavery still existed. It was astounding," said Ong,
referring to the 15-hour day, $1-per-hour wages that the workers
suffered.
The day after the raid on the garment factory, Ong began his
extensive study of the situation by setting up interviews with the
workers, other Thais, law enforcement agencies and anyone who was
willing to speak (representatives of the fashion industry were
unwilling to talk to him).
Ong, who specializes in expressing issues of the human
condition, says, "It was an interesting experience (speaking with)
the Thai workers, since they spoke no English. They gave
monosyllabic answers. I wanted to get to their inner feelings but
could not."
Nevertheless, one of the strengths of "Fabric" is the
dialogue.
"It is fascinating trying to capture the language as close as
possible to how they would speak," says Ong.
This is portrayed in the character of Woman 1, played by
Jennifer Paz, who played Kim in the Ahmanson Theater’s production
of "Miss Saigon." Woman 1 is based on a worker Ong originally
interviewed who spoke broken English.
"My lines are a direct translation from Ong’s interview with the
former worker," says Paz.
In addition to using the workers’ actual words, many of the
actors in "Fabric" are Asian, in an effort to emulate the scenario
as close as possible.
The story of the workers is most important, according to Ong,
who is known for writing about socially relevant ideas. But it is
also about more than just the garment workers – it addresses the
bigger issue of immigration.
For this reason, the UCLA performance is being held in the
School of Law.
"It is somewhat targeted for law students because it involves
laws about immigrants," says associate producer Elina Peterson.
Previous performances were held at Echo Park Branch Library, and
two more are scheduled at the West Los Angeles United Methodist
Church this weekend.
"We are specified by our grant to perform in non-traditional
venues because it is for the community," says Peterson.
Most of the workers are still in the United States but are still
stuck in low-paying jobs.
"Some of them still sew garments," says Peterson.
Last Saturday’s performance in Echo Park was unique because it
was attended by 18 workers from the 1995 raid.
"During intermission all of them were crying," says Ong.
THEATER: "Fabric" will be performed Oct. 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the
School of Law, Room 1457. Admission is free.
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