Frank Chin

Born:

February 25, 1940, Berkeley, California, USA

Nationality:

American

Profession(s):

Playwright, Novelist, Essayist, Screenwriter

Early Life and Education

• Frank Chin, born in the USA, spent his early years in Oakland, California.
• Attended the University of California, Berkeley, though did not graduate.

Career and Major Achievements

• Pioneering figure in Asian American literature.
• One of the first Asian American playwrights to gain national recognition.
• Controversial figure known for his outspoken views on Asian American identity and cultural representation.
• Co-founded the Asian American Theater Workshop in San Francisco.

Notable Works

• Plays:
  • The Chickencoop Chinaman (1972)
  • The Year of the Dragon (1974)
  • Gee, Pop! (1974)
  • Donald Duk (1991) - adapted from his novel
• Novels:
  • Donald Duk (1991)
  • Gunga Din Highway (1994)
• Short Story Collections:
  • The Chinaman Pacific & Frisco R.R. Co. (1988)
• Essays:
  • Aiiieeeee! An Anthology of Asian-American Writers (co-edited)
  • The Big Aiiieeeee!: An Anthology of Chinese American and Japanese American Literature (co-edited)
• Screenplays:
  • Chan Is Missing (1982) - contributed to the screenplay

Legacy and Impact

Frank Chin's work has been instrumental in shaping Asian American literature and theater. He has challenged stereotypes and explored complex issues of identity, race, and culture within the Asian American experience.

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