MOCA Performs – Catching Silhouettes: An Oral History Street Performance

In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, Museum of Chinese in America is proud to present a new iteration of the oral history street performance project, after last year’s well-received Passage: A Walk of Chinatown Stories. This project invites audience members to have a walk through Chinatown and experience stories that have helped shape Chinatown’s landscape and identity.

Join us for a captivating stroll through Chinatown with Catching Silhouettes where you’ll be transported through time and space by the tales of immigrants who have shaped this vibrant neighborhood. As we wander, we’ll unearth hidden narratives from MOCA’s archives, shedding light on how waves of newcomers have left their indelible mark on Chinatown’s ever-evolving landscape, especially during the dynamic decades of the 1980s and 1990s.

Prepare to be immersed in an unforgettable journey, where performances bring to life the bustling movie theaters that once served as cultural epicenters, drawing in communities seeking connection and belonging. We’ll then follow the footsteps of the Fujianese community, tracing their journey of migration and the expansion of Chinatown, while discovering the vital role played by religious centers as anchors of support and solidarity.

As we walk, we’ll feel the pulse of Chinatown’s heartbeat, intricately woven with the stories of immigrants, community hubs and the spirit of resilience that defines this neighborhood. Together, we’ll reflect on the past and ponder the future, imagining how Chinatown will continue to evolve within the ever-changing tapestry of New York City.