As anti-Asian sentiment ran rampant through the west coast in the 19th century, this 1881 cartoon trumpets the overwhelming anti-asian sentiments on America's West coast and mocks the values of welcoming immigrants of the not yet funded nor finished Statue of Liberty on America's East coast.
Quok Shee, age 20 - spent 20.5 months detained on Angel Island (hers was the longest known case) as officials investigated her potentially false marriage to her husband.
Photo Credit: Steven Laxton
As anti-Asian sentiment ran rampant through the west coast in the 19th century, this 1881 cartoon trumpets the overwhelming anti-asian sentiments on America's West coast and mocks the values of welcoming immigrants of the not yet funded nor finished Statue of Liberty on America's East coast.
MUSEUM OF THE UNAMERICANS,
a futurist choral satire
Music and text: Justine F. Chen
Dramaturg: Donatella Galella
Music Director: Donald Nally
Stage Director: Aya Ogawa
This evening-length futurist theatrical oratorio presents select forms of anti-Asian legislation in America. Is racism at odds with our democracy when racism is legislated? What does it mean to be American? Who decides? Set in the future, this work presents with a twinkle in its eye, exhibits of the Oriental Wing of the MUSEUM OF THE UNAMERICANS, led by a charming Asian A.I. Docent, in the form of a front person and the phenomenal, all-powerful sonic creative force Donald Nally and The Crossing.
2025 Commission from The Democracy Cycle, by PAC NYC and the Civis Foundation.
IN PROGRESS 60-70 min.
front person and mixed vocal ensemble (SSAATTBB)
STAY TUNED!
LIBRETTO WORKSHOP FALL 2026
CHORAL WORKSHOP
JUSTINE F. CHEN
COMPOSER
theatrical • vocal • instrumental
2025 DEMOCRACY CYCLE commission from PAC NYC and the Civis Foundation!
MUSEUM OF THE UNAMERICANS, w/ Donald Nally and The Crossing! press release
New Music Creator Fund Grant support for my chamber opera SISTERS OF THE STORM w librettist Marcus Yi
Gramophone review of
SHALLOW BREATH AND STEALTH
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JUSTINE F. CHEN, COMPOSER