In the 1920s and 30s, Anna May Wong emerged as Hollywood’s first East Asian star. But the characters she portrayed were invariably stereotypes, and when a meatier part came along, she was passed over in favour of a white actress in yellowface. This was partly due to the insidious influence of anti-miscegenation laws in the US, prohibiting interracial marriage, sex or cohabitation, legislation that wasn’t declared unconstitutional until 1967. 

In the present day, China Doll (Diana Feng) is auditioning to play Wong in a biopic, a process which makes her question how much has really changed in almost a century, as she reflects on only being considered for hot nerd, kung fu or ‘exotic’ parts. The concept of exoticism is further examined through China Doll’s pursuit of relationships with white men, who treat sex with her as some kind of experiment, living out their porn fantasies of Asian women.

Feng holds the attention of her audience in this one-woman show, flitting between multiple characters and pondering internalised racism while struggling with her feelings about playing Wong. Don’t Call Me China Doll tackles weighty issues such as identity and discrimination but a little more finessing of the production as a whole might help get its message across more effectively. 

Don’t Call Me China Doll, Underbelly Bristo Square, until 26 August, 12.55pm; main picture: Ian Kuo.