JUNE IS THE FIRST FALL
(2f, 4m)
What compels people to cross mountains and seas to another country, another continent, and another culture to find their true selves? What are the journeys we take to find home and belonging? In JUNE IS THE FIRST FALL, Don, a gay Chinese man, returns home to Hawaii to rediscover missing memories of himself and his family that he moved away from. His week-long stay opens wounds with his father and sister that never healed, aggravating Don's struggle to find love and belonging in his life.
June is The First Fall is the 2nd Place Recipient of Kennedy Center's 2017 Paula Vogel Playwriting Award.
JUNE IS THE FIRST FALL is now published by Original Works Publishing.
DEVELOPMENT HISTORY
Yangtze Rep of America / New Ohio Theatre
March 31 - April 20, 2019
(One of the "5 Powerful and Provocative New Must-See plays in NYC" - Brandon Voss, Logo NEWNOWNEXT.)
Reviews:
"Written with sensitivity toward all its players, the piece offers a compassionate window into the intersection of Chinese culture, queerness, and gender roles… June is the First Fall is a tight, compact evening of drama.” – Caroline Cao, Exeunt
"[Yilong Liu's] June is the First Fall... memories are scattered throughout this endearing study of culture, family and personal growth... In the relatively small New Ohio Theatre, the creative team has done an excellent job... Well directed by Michael Leibenluft, this story is smoothly paced to unravel this family's secrets and hopes and learnings." – Joe Lombardi, BroadwayWorld
"While many plays deal with issues of race, culture, and sexuality, few weave them all together – and leave the same potent emotional impact – that this play manages to do. Without a doubt, it’s already a strong contender for the best play I’ve seen so far in 2019. If you have the chance to catch it during its final weeks, be sure to do so!” – Anthony Piccione, Onstage Blog
"Compelling... a wonderful slice of life... when David, in a rare attempt to connect with his estranged son, tells Don his true feelings about what it was like for him when his son came out all those years ago, it resonates. You are able to relate because perhaps you, like most people, have felt the disapproval of family members. At the time it stings and you don’t understand. Then, slowly, it dawns on you that the sentiment often comes from a place of love. It even sometimes comes from a place of shame and is not really about you at all." – Tami Shaloum, Round The World Stage
“We can’t ignore the magnitude of the gift a piece like June Is the First Fall delivers: bridging the cultural divide with a reminder that it’s our familiar stories that connect us.” – Elyse Orecchio, Theatre’s Leiter Side
“Well acted and finely presented… In addition to steering sensitive performances, director Michael Leibenluft’s staging is technically accomplished with scenes fluidly flowing to various locations and time periods with clarity.” – Darryl Reilly, Theatrescene.net
"June is the First Fall is a funny, affecting and affectionate, and well-observed family drama that addresses timely issues with deep historical roots.
Audiences would do well to make June part of their April." – John Ziegler and Leah Richards, Thinking Theatre NYC
March 31 - April 20, 2019
(One of the "5 Powerful and Provocative New Must-See plays in NYC" - Brandon Voss, Logo NEWNOWNEXT.)
Reviews:
"Written with sensitivity toward all its players, the piece offers a compassionate window into the intersection of Chinese culture, queerness, and gender roles… June is the First Fall is a tight, compact evening of drama.” – Caroline Cao, Exeunt
"[Yilong Liu's] June is the First Fall... memories are scattered throughout this endearing study of culture, family and personal growth... In the relatively small New Ohio Theatre, the creative team has done an excellent job... Well directed by Michael Leibenluft, this story is smoothly paced to unravel this family's secrets and hopes and learnings." – Joe Lombardi, BroadwayWorld
"While many plays deal with issues of race, culture, and sexuality, few weave them all together – and leave the same potent emotional impact – that this play manages to do. Without a doubt, it’s already a strong contender for the best play I’ve seen so far in 2019. If you have the chance to catch it during its final weeks, be sure to do so!” – Anthony Piccione, Onstage Blog
"Compelling... a wonderful slice of life... when David, in a rare attempt to connect with his estranged son, tells Don his true feelings about what it was like for him when his son came out all those years ago, it resonates. You are able to relate because perhaps you, like most people, have felt the disapproval of family members. At the time it stings and you don’t understand. Then, slowly, it dawns on you that the sentiment often comes from a place of love. It even sometimes comes from a place of shame and is not really about you at all." – Tami Shaloum, Round The World Stage
“We can’t ignore the magnitude of the gift a piece like June Is the First Fall delivers: bridging the cultural divide with a reminder that it’s our familiar stories that connect us.” – Elyse Orecchio, Theatre’s Leiter Side
“Well acted and finely presented… In addition to steering sensitive performances, director Michael Leibenluft’s staging is technically accomplished with scenes fluidly flowing to various locations and time periods with clarity.” – Darryl Reilly, Theatrescene.net
"June is the First Fall is a funny, affecting and affectionate, and well-observed family drama that addresses timely issues with deep historical roots.
Audiences would do well to make June part of their April." – John Ziegler and Leah Richards, Thinking Theatre NYC
Kumu Kahua Theatre
November - December, 2018
November - December, 2018
Queens Theatre, Reading, April 2017
East West Players, Workshop, March 2017
Earle Ernst Lab Theatre, Reading, May 2015
