Soft Jade (軟玉)

part of the yale summer cabaret radio play series

Summer 2021

Written by Nina Ki
Directed by Miranda Cornell
Produced by the Yale Summer Cabaret (Stefani Kuo & Doug Robinson, Artistic Directors; Chloe Knight & Mia Haiman, Managing Directors)

Featuring Wesley Han, Ashil Lee, Kate Marley, Thom Pang (Yao), and Declan Cheng Zhang

Stage Manager: Narissa Agustin
Dramaturg: Gaven Trinidad
Sound Designers: Tojo Rasedorara & Bryn Scharenberg
Director of Production for YSC: Andrew Riedemann
Accessibility Coordinator: Rebecca Satzberg
Graphic Designer: Alice Mao

For Benjamin, coming to America has been an opportunity for him to explore his orientation and identity – even while he carries with him his parents’ dream of him returning to Korea to settle down and take over the family business. Benjamin, who has always had a gift for being able to speak with the dead (and has always hated it) is visited late one night by the ghost of his ex-boyfriend Leon. He reveals that he was murdered by a serial killer targeting gay Asian men, and asks Benjamin to help him find the protective necklace that he always wore – an act which will finally bring him peace. The request leads Benjamin to find allies, re-examine his past with Leon, and finally – come to terms with who he is.