Millennial Notes

Sara Porkalob Transforms Generations of Trauma to Healing

by Isa S. Chu

With her magnetic stage presence and meticulous storytelling, Sara Porkalob’s one-woman show invites us to reflect on our own family histories. “Dragon Lady” is a captivating tribute to the women who shape us—a reminder that, through storytelling, we can transform trauma into a legacy of strength and grace.

“Dragon Lady” is the first piece in Porkalob’s trilogy “The Dragon Cycle,” chronicling the complicated, exposed lives of women in her family. This vivid, raw story centers on her grandmother Maria. Sara becomes Maria, a fierce, vivacious woman, and captivates us with Grandma’s mix of truth and memory.

As Maria, Sara recounts her grandma’s journey from a life of poverty in The Phillipines to getting pregnant by the mob boss who killed her father. Eventually, she marries an American soldier, and they resettle in Bremerton, Washington. Sara makes Maria a legend, telling hilarious stories about Grandma’s resilience, as she builds a fantastic—and funny—legacy.

At the start, we are enveloped by vintage music that provokes Sara’s memories. We are in a casino lounge with walls covered in red velvet with gold details. The body of a dragon winds its way above the stage like a scaly, teal rainbow.

In a blink, Sara Porkalob appears, almost like an apparition. As Maria, she is ready to tell her stories at her 60th birthday party. A milestone according to Chinese tradition “because it means you are going to die soon.”

Too often, storytellers of color feel pressured to make their stories more palatable by over-explaining cultural details, stripping away the richness, and leaving the story bland and diluted. But in “Dragon Lady,” Porkalob lets Tagalog phrases and cultural references flow naturally, staying unapologetically true to her roots.

Sara is in complete control, every gesture precise, every moment purposeful. From hand movements and fascinating layers of voices evoke many memorable characters. Their astounding stories become part of us all.

As nightclub madame Ate Lola, Porkalob adopts a poised stance, cigarette in hand, chin raised with authority. Later she seamlessly takes the role of her teen-aged uncle— capturing his awkwardness and cracking adolescent voice.

Sara turns into a neighbor in the trailer park, featuring a thick Southern drawl. In one moment, she even portrays two characters singing together, amazing and funny.

“Dragon Lady” is a theatrical experience interwoven with musicality. Porkalob’s voice is resonant, her phrasing crisp and vibrant, each word and phrase a revelation. A live band keeps the sound present and visceral. She ends the show singing a Tagalog ballad in honor of her grandmother. Now, we are all connected to her ancestors through the stories and songs.

Galing ah! “Dragon Lady” is dynamic, magical, and a deeply emotional ride. We laugh and yes, we cry. Turns out that the past—no matter how painful—can offer strength, humor, and resilience.

She reminds us of our own journeys from heritage to healing. She’s touring the country with this highly successful show—see it while you can!

 

“Dragon Lady” –written & performed by Sara Porkalob, directed by Andrew Russell, original & lyrics by Pete Irving, scenic design by Randy Wong-Westbrooke, lighting design by Spense Matubang, sound design by Erin Benarz, by Center REP, at Lesher Center, Walnut Creek, California.

Info: centerrep.org – to November 24, 2024.

Cast: Sara Porkalob (as many amazing people). Band: Peter Irving, Jimmy Austin, & Mickey Stylin.

Banner photo: Sara Porkalob plays her feisty Grandma. Photos: Kevin Berne