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Breakdown
Set in 1971, when Cold War tensions were running high, and China’s doors had been closed to visitors from The U.S. for twenty-five years. PING PONG is the story of one unassuming American ping pong player, whose actions set in motion a chain of events that would change the face of international diplomacy—and the world—forever.
PING PONG is one of the two plays presented in repertory as a part of the Public Theater’s Public Studio—a programming initiative designed to develop work by talented new playwrights.
SEEKING:
GLENN:
20’s. Caucasian. A member of the American Ping Pong team. A hippie. Cocky, arrogant, but at heart a bit of an innocent. A joker. Impulsive. Believes firmly that he knows it all and loves to challenge the status quo. Distrustful of government, authority, and people over thirty. Usually under the influence of something, and always up for a good time. However, as tensions mount during his trip to China, his mood begins to swing from excited mania to anxiety, and mounting paranoia. It becomes increasingly clear that his substance abuse and “devil-may-care” attitude may all be an attempt at keeping something much darker at bay. Loves attention, and if there’s a camera somewhere you’ll find him in front of it.
JIA:
20’s – early 30’s. Chinese. Female. A translator. Smart, headstrong, direct, professional, with a palpable sexuality. Trapped in an unhappy marriage. Her entire life has been governed by restrictions, and she’s curious about the world outside of China. She’s sheltered, but not naïve. Intrigued by Glenn, she isn’t afraid to be a little reckless in order to get a taste of the freedom she’s never known, but she never loses sight of the potential consequences. This role will likely double with other characters. Ability to speak Mandarin a plus.
CHAIRMAN MAO:
40s+ to play 70s. Chinese. Male. Chairman of the Communist Party of China. Intelligent, brusque, suspicious, unyielding, grandiose. Playful one moment, deadly the next. In failing health. Navigating the shifting balance of being in complete control of his own life and his country and the helplessness brought on by his medical needs. Can be irrational when his authority is questioned. Believes himself to be a beloved figure. Has no problem being manipulative in order to achieve his goals, although he doesn’t see it that way.
ZHOU ENLAI:
40s+ to play 70s. Chinese. Male. Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of China. While Mao is the figurehead and the public face of The Party, Zhou is the orchestrator and implementer who puts their policies in practice. Sharply smart, cautious, analytical, even-keeled. Knows how to present information to make things go his way. Anxious to capitalize on the opportunities he sees to create a positive relationship with the US. Always encouraging and supportive of Mao without acquiescing. Ability to speak Mandarin a plus.
ZHUANG ZEDONG:
20s-40s. Chinese. Male. A member of the Chinese ping pong team. A recently released political prisoner and pawn of the Chinese government. Realistic, balances his hope and cynicism. Outwardly friendly and good-natured, but his excellent poker face makes it difficult to get a true read on what is going on below the surface. Befriends Glenn at the behest of the government and plays his role dutifully. He is not duplicitous or conniving, just pragmatic. He has already experienced the consequences of angering The Party, and doesn’t want to step out of line again. This role will likely double with other characters. Ability to speak Mandarin a plus.
RICHARD NIXON:
40s+ to play late 50s. Caucasian. Male. Dynamic, egotistical, self-centered. Impatient, forceful, and at times a bit crude. Doesn’t mince words. A big personality and an over-the-top presence, but he’s nobody’s fool. Despite his assertive exterior, he’s aware of the public’s negative perception of him, and it rankles him. Prone to bouts of paranoia that eat away at his confidence. Obsessed with the idea of legacy, and how it can be shaped and impacted by present actions. Wants things his own way and on his own timeline, and does not take no for an answer. Terrified of being humiliated.
HENRY KISSINGER:
40s. Caucasian. Male. Nixon’s Secretary of State, and his number two. Highly intelligent, reasonable, observant. Stylish, charismatic, and sexy in an unexpected way. A playboy with a new girlfriend every week. Machiavellian. He’s always got an angle, but he does his best to keep it hidden. Playing the long game and intends to be a part of the political scene for a long time. Doesn’t indulge Nixon’s self-involvement, but he’ll appease him for a while in order to keep him happy. Occasionally impatient with the hoops he must jump through, but ultimately willing to do what is necessary to accomplish his goals.
AUBREY:
Late 20s. Caucasian. Female. A member of the American ping pong team. Caring, empathetic, pragmatic, thoughtful, intelligent. Aware of the political climate, but responds to it by disengaging and making safe choices. Tolerant of Glenn’s erratic behavior and taken in by his charisma, but not a pushover or a follower. She knows this is her time to shine, and even when Glenn’s antics put all of it in jeopardy, her ability to care for his well-being is never compromised. This role will double with a number of characters, including DINAH SHORE: TV show host. Enthusiastic, always a smiling. A performer—when the camera’s on, so is she. Charming and personable, her on-screen persona is the very embodiment of healthy, American values. Baffled by Glenn’s unpredictability and large personality, but very aware of his appeal.
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