Francis Wong & Tatsu Aoki with Lenora Lee (USA) Wong Wei’s Gamble (World Premiere)
Wong Wei’s Gamble is a new four movement musical work by
Francis Wong that will feature the composer, shamisen performer Tatsu Aoki, dancer/choreographer Lenora Lee, bassist John-Carlos Perea, guitarist
Karl Evangelista, Yangqin (hammered dulcimer) performer Yangqin Zhao, drums and gong performer
Karen Stackpole, trapset drummer Deszon X. Claiborne. WWG will memorialize the story of Wong Wei, the composer’s grandfather, a professional jockey and business manager who dared to open up the International Racecourse of Tianjin in northern China during the Japanese occupation of World War II - the once active course had been closed by the occupiers - as a means to provide employment and entertainment for the city during this dark period. In a move that risked being labeled a “collaborator”.
Presented by San Francisco International Arts Festival, Asian Pacific Island Cultural Center and Asian Improv aRts
Tickets: $15-$30 General Admission and Reserved Seating