140 LBS: HOW BEAUTY KILLED MY MOTHER
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.
Note: The July 20th show will feature a post-show talkback with Susan her director Sara Porkalob on the creative process and producing the show.