Runs Feb 7Feb 20, 2019
Nasus Media presents
140 LBS
How Beauty Killed My Mother
Thursday, February 7, 2019, 7:30PM
($18.00 – $25.00)
Friday, February 8, 2019, 7:30PM
Saturday, February 9, 2019, 7:30PM
Sunday, February 10, 2019, 2:00PM
Monday, February 11, 2019, 7:30PM
Thursday, February 14, 2019, 7:30PM
Friday, February 15, 2019, 7:30PM
Saturday, February 16, 2019, 2:00PM
Saturday, February 16, 2019, 7:30PM
Sunday, February 17, 2019, 2:00PM
Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 7:30PM
Thu/Fri/Sat at 7:30pm. Sun at 2pm.Start time: 7:30pm Door open: 6:30pm House open: 7pm Sunday matinees: 2pm Door open: 1pm House open: 1:30pm

Due to inclement weather, we are canceling the 2/8 and 2/11, 7:30 pm showings of 140lbs. Please reschedule your ticket for any remaining available show through Brown Paper Tickets.

We have added a 2 pm matinee on Sat, 2/16 and an additional 7:30 pm show on Wed 2/20.

To reschedule your tickets please contact support@brownpapertickets.com or call 1-800-838-3006 (option 2.) If you cannot reschedule you can arrange a full refund through Brown Paper Tickets. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.


Two hours into surgery, Susan’s mother loses oxygen to her brain and the plastic surgeon deliberately does not call 9-1-1 for fourteen minutes. Five days later, while in a coma, she flatlines. The surgeon is charged with medical negligence and her family falls apart; no one talks about what happened. Nineteen years later on her wedding day, Susan’s mother’s seat sits empty and Susan realizes she can no longer ignore what she’s always wanted: to know who her mother was. Sifting through thousands of deposition pages and reaching out to the killer’s family, Susan uncovers the painful truth of her mother, herself, and the impossible ideal of Vietnamese feminine beauty.

Written and performed by Susan Lieu, 140 LBS is directed by Sara Porkalob.  With Assistant Director/Stage Manager Jenny Crooks, Lighting Designer Emily Leong and Sound Designer Erin Bednarz. Co-produced by Nasus Media and Theatre Off Jackson. Supported with metta by STG and 4Culture.


2/9 Show — Artist Talkback with Susan and RealSelf executive Maureen Ezekwugo on the beauty industry, feminism, and medical accountability, moderated by Mónica Guzmán, cofounder and editor of The Evergrey.
2/10 Show — Artist Talkback moderated by Thanh Tan, creator and host of Second Wave, a podcast from KUOW and PRX focused on Vietnamese American refugee experiences.
2/11 Show — Artist Talkback with Susan and Director Sara Porkalob on the creative process and producing the show.
2/17 Closing Show — Artist Talkback with Susan and her family discussing the experience of watching the show for the first time, Vietnamese-American identity and processing grief.

Theatre Off Jackson and the producer strive to be as accessible and inclusive as possible. Please contact us if you have any questions. Our venue is accessible by wheelchair and other mobility devices. Please contact us in advance so we can ensure your experience is as smooth as possible.

Minor foul language. Theme discussion of death and body image. 12+.