"Big Flower Eater" by Victoria Lichong February 7, 2013

In past generations, women had status in Asian societies as shamans, but such mysticism is now frowned on in most modern Asian cultures. Still, the idea of powerful ancient matriarchies is magnetic for many Asian American women who grew up in traditional families. Victoria Linchong is like many Americans of immigrant parents who seek their roots but feel disconnected from their heritage. She was inspired by memories of her Taiwanese grandmother to create "Big Flower Eater," a whimsical collage of folktales, rituals, dance and historical texts. Performed by an ensemble of three Asian-American actresses, the play conjures the untold history of women in Asia through shamanism in three different cultures: Hmong, Taiwanese and Korean. It will be presented by Theater for the New City February 7 to 24.