“The Heart Sellers” Gains Momentum with National Productions & deeply Resonant Themes
A powerful new play, “The Heart sellers,” is experiencing a surge in national interest, connecting with audiences and artists across the United States.This growing momentum is fueled by a West Coast co-production involving TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, Aurora Theatre Company, and Capital Stage. The play’s creator expressed profound gratitude, noting the expanded reach allows the story to resonate with a far wider audience than initially envisioned.
A Season of Diverse Voices & Regional Premieres
The 2025-26 season promises a remarkable series of productions led by a diverse group of immigrant directors. Danilo Gambini, who arrived in the U.S. in 2017, will helm the D.C. premiere at Studio Theatre this September.Desdemona Chiang, fresh off a accomplished summer run at Virginia Theatre Festival, returns to direct at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park this October.
Further productions are planned:
* Sunam Ellis will direct at Seattle Rep next January.
* Jennifer Chang will revisit the play at South Coast Rep in October.
* Michelle Chan will stage it at Horizon Theatre Company in Atlanta, also in October.
* Ben Wolfe will bring “The Heart Sellers” to Austin Playhouse.
The Play’s Impact: Connecting Generations & Exploring Identity
The evolving cultural landscape significantly impacts how “The Heart Sellers” is received in different regions. What truly moves the playwright is the way the play fosters deeper connections within families. He recounts hearing young Asian American actors express a profound recognition of their mothers’ voices and experiences within the text.
These moments serve as a powerful reminder of the core purpose of theatre: to enrich lives. The themes of the play resonate deeply with the immigrant experience, but ultimately speak to global human desires for understanding and belonging.
The play’s ability to unlock these personal connections is a testament to it’s enduring power and relevance. It’s a story that invites audiences to reflect on their own histories, relationships, and the complexities of identity.
