An original creation of Norwegian puppet company Wakka Wakka, Made in China is a darkly comedic musical exploring human rights, consumerism and American-Chinese relations, as told through the unlikely love story between an odd middle-aged American woman and her Chinese ex-pat neighbor. The show made its debut at New York City’s 59E59 Theater and features 30 puppets, seven puppeteers, and original music by Yan Li. Alex provided lighting design and technical direction services for the production. Made in China was selected by the New York Times’ Charles Isherwood as a NYT Critic’s Pick, who declared that “the show’s visual allure never ceases”.
Eddie reminiscing in his backyard as Mary spies from her window next door.
“I was made by children in Hunan!” the gun merrily sings. “Fifteen hours each day, they’re having fun! Safely tucked away from awful sun, make for you the cheapest all-American gun!”
Mary and Eddie are transported to an alternate reality and forced to create Christmas decorations at breakneck speed in horrifying conditions.
A fateful encounter with the mythical dragon in a bamboo forest.
Photos by Heidi Bohnenkamp, Andy Manjuck, and Alex Goldberg.