KRISTINA WONG, SWEATSHOP OVERLORD
As the dark cloud of the COVID-19 pandemic descended, creativity bloomed in the unlikeliest of places – Kristina Wong’s living room. With nothing but a Hello Kitty sewing machine and a resourceful spirit, Kristina embarked on a mission on day three: crafting masks from whatever materials she could find – repurposed bedsheets, even bra straps. This seemingly small act of defiance against a global crisis ignited a movement.
The Auntie Sewing Squad, a name both endearing and slightly subversive, was born. This wasn’t your typical sweatshop. Operating remotely from their homes, hundreds of volunteers – from wide-eyed children to seasoned seamstresses, even Kristina’s own mother – joined the cause. Their mission? To do nothing less than mend the gaping hole in the U.S. public healthcare system, all while the world remained under lockdown.
Fuelled by a potent mix of frustration, ingenuity, and a healthy dose of humor, the Auntie Sewing Squad became a potent symbol of feminist care. In the face of a failing system, they created a space of mutual support and productivity. Was it a utopia built on care and resourcefulness, or a doomsday cult united by a shared enemy – a lack of masks?
Kristina Wong, the mastermind (or perhaps cult leader, depending on your perspective) behind this operation, takes you on a hilarious and thought-provoking journey in this Pulitzer Prize finalist play. Through her unique lens, you’ll witness the birth and growth of the Auntie Sewing Squad, grappling with the complexities of their mission. Was it a rebellion against a broken system, or a desperate attempt to hold it together with thread and determination?
The play doesn’t provide easy answers. Instead, it invites the audience to participate in the exploration. Prepare to laugh, to question, and to be deeply moved by the dedication and resilience of the Auntie Sewing Squad. Their story, both absurd and inspiring, offers a powerful testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise above even the most daunting challenges.