Theater: Jesa

By Jeena Yi
Directed by Mei Ann Teo
Ma-Yi Theater Company in Residence

JESA by Jeena Yi, directed by Mei Ann Teo, is a riotous and heart-wrenching new play that explodes the idea of the “perfect family gathering.” When four estranged Korean American sisters reunite in Orange County to perform their father’s Jesa—a traditional ritual honoring the dead—old wounds erupt, secrets surface, and ghosts (literal and emotional) refuse to stay buried. With razor-sharp dialogue, explosive humor, and unexpected tenderness, JESA asks how we honor our ancestors when we can barely stand each other. Come for the sibling brawls and burning shrimp, stay for the aching truth of what binds us.

Community Nights:

March 22, 1:30PM: Talkback – Care, Courage, and Collective Action: Safety in Uncertain Times
We invite you to stay after the 1:30PM performance for a post-show conversation addressing the recent surge in anti-immigration policies, the erosion of constitutional rights for BIPOC communities, and the impact on New Yorkers. Frontline organizers and advocates will share practical ways New Yorkers can protect themselves, support their neighbors, and take action. Featuring Yuh-Line Niou (former New York State Representative), Hae-Lin Choi (co-founder, Hands Off NYC), and others.

March 26, 7:30PM: AAPI Community Night

March 29, 1:30PM: Chinese Open Caption

April 4, 1:30PM: Talkback with Cast and Creatives of JESA
Join us for a conversation with director Mei Ann Teo and others about the creative process of producing Jeena Yi’s World Premiere of JESA after the show.