Seattle Children’s Theatre’s world premiere of “Young Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story“ highlights Bruce Lee’s formative years in Seattle, where the martial arts legend studied at the University of Washington and began teaching martial arts. The production’s kinetic storytelling and dynamic sequences will inform and entertain young audience members with a compelling first introduction to the martial arts legend.
Synopsis, Sensei
The man, the myth, the icon, Bruce Lee (Michelangelo Hyeon) lived a short, but remarkably full life in the 32 years before his tragic death, and while his contribution to cinema cannot be understated, “Young Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story”, written by Keiko Green, introduces viewers to the events that created such a phenomenon, focusing on his time in Seattle as a catalyst for his later successes. The production opens on one of his film sets, though it quickly jumps back in time to Lee’s birth in a hospital in Hong Kong, to his doting mother (Khanh Doan) and father (Michael Wu).
Photo credit Truman Buffett
He grew up in Hong Kong, studying martial arts and street fighting on rooftops across the city, until clashes with other competitors opened the door for his move to Seattle for a fresh start. There, Lee makes his living as a waiter under the watchful eye of famed restaurateur, politician, and family friend Ruby Chow. While working, Lee begins to teach the craft of martial arts to anyone interested, including Judo practitioner and lifelong follower Jesse (Arlando Smith). Lee teaches a diverse group of martial arts enthusiasts the approach he’s dubbed Jun Fan Gung Fu, which later became his iconic hybrid system, Jeet Kune Do.
Photo credit Truman Buffett
While enrolled at the University of Washington, Lee meets Linda (Jocelyn Maher). Relations between people of different races were still taboo, and the play addresses this with Linda’s hesitation to bring Bruce home to the mother she does not think would approve. Eventually, however, their love for one another and her support of his career led them down the path to marriage and children, proving that love can overcome all.
A chop to the heart
More than anything, however, “Young Dragon” is interested in conveying Lee’s struggle and ultimate success as a philosopher and innovator. The production, while focused on Lee’s life events, also emphasizes his emotional growth during this time, overcoming imposter syndrome and opening himself to the extraordinary places his work would lead him. This is conveyed through several sequences in which Lee is in a boat, arguing with his own reflection in the water. A recurring theme of “Young Dragon” is water as a mode of transportation, both physically to new places and philosophically as a metaphor for its cleansing of self-doubt and recrimination.
Photo credit Truman Buffett
The production is recommended for viewers 8 and up. While there are some fight sequences, such as Bruce Lee whipping around his nunchucks and performing martial arts moves on a competitor, nothing should upset younger viewers. That said, the play’s content often flows from place to place and back and forth through time without much explanation. It moves from Lee’s experience on a film set to his birth in a hospital to his arrival in Seattle, all within a span of minutes, which may confuse younger attendees.
Photo credit Truman Buffett
Those prepared for the journey of Lee’s incredible life will find “Young Dragon” to be a soul-searching dive into one man’s quest for enlightenment. It is particularly exciting to have a production predominantly set in Seattle, showcasing Chow’s historical importance to the city, as well as references to Wing Luke, UW, and Seafair that delighted the crowd of Seattleites. My 8-year-old was transfixed by the love story of Bruce and Linda, and Bruce’s life as a whole. She had many questions she wanted answered on the car ride home.
Know before you go
• Dates: The show runs through March 29, with a variety of showtimes spanning the morning and evening.
• Runtime: 75 minutes without an intermission.
• Age recommendation: 8+
• Inclusive performances: The Access/Audio Described Performance is Sunday, March 15, at 11:00 a.m., and the Sensory-Friendly Performance is Saturday, March 7, at 1:00 p.m.
• Location: Seattle Children’s Theatre is located at 201 Thomas Street, Seattle, 98109
• Parking: Garage and street parking are available with payment. Give yourself ample time if there is an event at Climate Pledge Arena.
