The play, which focused on issues surrounding interracial dating in the Asian community, featured skits interspersed by performances of modern and traditional Asian dance. The cast performed in front of a packed crowd of students in Collis Commonground.
The show touched on many facets of interracial dating and Asian stereotypes, including divisive topics such as Asian fetishes, racism and a New Jersey radio show that mocked Asians.
"These issues are all very open-ended and so we felt like it was an opportunity to redefine how people on campus, both of the Asian community and the Dartmouth general community, think about them," co-chair of the program Ariel Xue '08 said. "Often we only get to see one side of the picture and draw conclusions from that without understanding the entire situation."
Though the audience seemed to sympathize with the performance's message, some left perplexed by the barrage of new ideas pitched at them though Culture Night.
"[The show] brought up some very interesting points. They might have been trying to include too many messages and I kind of got lost," Jocelyn Mahylis '09 said.
Some participants in the show expressed concern over the makeup of the audience, pointing to the large number of Asian students meandering around the Collis dining area during the food break between the performances.
"I think that more white people needed to come, because they are the ones who needed to see this the most," Harrison Matthews '09, a performer in the show and a self-described "product of interracial dating," said. Matthews is one-quarter Asian.
"Double Take" explored a variety of issues concerning interracial dating from the mainstream to the obscure. One skit asked the audience to question what it means to be Asian by juxtaposing Chinese and Indian culture.
"We wanted to do something different than white and Chinese," Dru Sil '09 said of his role as the Indian boyfriend of a Chinese student. "Generally, [this show is about] tolerance and openness. There's no denial that the Asian community generally tends to be pretty closed."
Because of the broad spectrum of topics discussed at Culture Night, different students identified with different parts of the show.
"What I really liked about [the show] was when it highlighted the meeting the parents part," Allen Buansi '09 said. "Being in that situation is kind of awkward. [It is] important that they highlighted that aspect."
Attendees applauded the performance's willingness to address issues infrequently discussed, from ethnic stereotypes to dating difficulties to fraternity culture.
"It was controversial but it needs to be," Hanh Nguyen '09 said.
