Reactions to the Fall of ‘Miss Saigon’

As an Equity member and an actor of Asian descent, I applaud the Actors Equity Assn.’s decision to oppose British actor Jonathan Pryce’s reprising his role as a Eurasian in the New York production of “Miss Saigon.”

Producer Cameron Mackintosh’s statements in the press indicate vividly how misinformed he is on this issue. It is not merely about the abomination of disguising a Caucasian actor with makeup to portray a Eurasian; it is more about our dignity. Mackintosh and his supporters do not see that the outcry is purely against intolerance.

The issue of non-traditional casting, which is being used as a rebuttal for Mackintosh’s injustice, is an inadequate excuse. Non-traditional casting is meant to be employed mainly when the roles involved are not ethnically specific. “Miss Saigon” is an original production with ethnically specific characters and thus should require ethnically specific casting.

Non-Asians performing as Asians and Eurasians can no longer be condoned. Just as African Americans have had to fight long and hard against stereotyping and negative representation, Asians and all sympathizers need to mobilize to bring about change.

VICTOR HO

West Hollywood