Created and performed by Jules Chan, English Ako, a solo play, tells the story of a young working-class migrant who struggles to find his identity between his British upbringing and Asian heritage.
It recently ran at the Omnibus Theatre in Clapham. It is a part of their celebration of East and South East Asian work. English Ako also performed in Camden’s People Theatre in July.
English Ako (which means ‘I’m English’ in Tagalog), starts when the protagonist, who was born in Manila, is in secondary school and encounters racism in the playground. The play follows his journey into adulthood. He starts questioning his heritage and adopting English culture in order to survive, searching for an England he can call home.
Can he find a home where he can embrace both his Asian-ness and Britishness. “Both are important, both are beautiful, both are a part of who I am”. This story is a celebration of two cultures, which merge into one.
Jules Chan’s honest writing and his spirited performance bring this play to life as he demonstrates his struggles with his identity and seeks acceptance.
