In Between: A collection of short plays – Yun Theatre @ Center Theatre (Seattle Center)

In Between, comprising seven 10-minutes stories, is an expansive exploration of transition and migration. The inspiration behind the production lies in the “in-betweenness” experienced by immigrants – a feeling of not completely belonging to any one group and the feeling of being an outsider. It investigates the perennial questions: Why do we migrate? How do we migrate? What happens after we migrate? What are the limitations, and how do we adapt?

The narratives span diverse landscapes, offering insights into Cambodian, Mexican, and Asian immigrants, delving into the struggles of identity, the distressing outcomes of discrimination, and the impacts of enforced violence. Beyond conventional storytelling, In Between crafts immersive experiences, from the mystic Buddha Hall to bustling airports, illustrating the tumultuous journeys of travelers, the heartfelt homecomings, and the poignant reunions of generations long separated. In an unexpected shift, the series also peers into the animal kingdom, portraying a small mule’s struggle in a farm and an intimate gathering of endangered species.

Yuelan, the resident artist and composer at Yun Theatre articulates, “Immigrants are often described in numbers – what percentage of the population, what percentage of jobs, average amount of money earned, etc. There is a disconnect between these statistics and the actual lived experiences of the people behind the numbers; thus, we are often seen as ‘others’. We want to recognize our humanity by telling stories of our immigrant experiences of being ‘in between’ – between cultures, between homes, and between lives.”

From a competitive pool of 170 global submissions from playwrights all over the world, Yun Theatre selected 7 plays for the In Between production. To honor the outstanding quality of the submissions, an additional six plays will be presented in a staged reading on the afternoon of August 19th. (See reading event here.)

Location: Center Theatre (Seattle Center Armory, lower level)

Tickets ($28.50) here.