A spoof that did not amuse

The improv group Liquid Radio Players was presenting its version of a ‘40s-style radio show earlier this month at L.A.’s Acme Theatre, when one of the show’s sound effects artists donned a Chinese jacket and a Fu Manchu mustache. The narrator identified the white foley artist as “our fabulous guest star” -- the actor who played Charlie Chan’s “No. 2 son” in the Chan movies.

Boos arose from the audience. Most of them were from six members of Cold Tofu, an Asian American improv group, and their guests.

The narrator continued that “here in 1942, Asians are so very different and funny and scary and weird.”

“I thought he was European,” said the radio show’s announcer.

“He is, but we pay him $135 a week to be Asian,” replied the narrator. “Some people believe there will be a world where Asians will actually be allowed to play Asians.”

“That’s impossible!” said the announcer. “This is 1942. No minorities are allowed to be in films.”

After the show, said Cold Tofu artistic director Helen Ota, “a few of us approached the actors to let them know that what the actor in costume did was very offensive and viewed as a racist act. Most seemed to understand. Unfortunately, a couple of the actors didn’t seem to be too affected by what we said, saying that their show plays on the sexism and racism of that era. When we told them that portrayal is on the same level as an actor today doing blackface, it seemed to affect them a little more.”

In a statement to The Times, Liquid Radio replied that “the show lampoons all of the 1940s, including social taboos and racial stereotypes.” However, “we immediately apologized for offending them, and offered to use more discretion in the future” -- as well as an offer for the two groups to perform together, which Cold Tofu may do, Ota said.

Liquid Radio includes a wide range of performers, said the Liquid Radio statement, including “American Indian, Hispanic, Asian American, gay, African American, Jewish and a blond.”

-- Don Shirley