MOCA PERFORMS - Where Voices Linger, Reflection on Loving v Virginia

In conjunction with the special exhibition , the Museum of Chinese in America is proud to present a hybrid program that examines the enduring legacy of Loving v. Virginia and its impact on interracial relationships in the United States. The evening will open with a presentation of Where Voices Linger, a short play that reflects on the complexities of forbidden love and the pursuit of truth. A panel discussion, led by Ken Tanabe, founder of Loving Day, will follow, offering historical insight, personal perspectives, and contemporary reflections on the landmark case and its resonance today.

We invite you to join us for an engaging and thought-provoking program that brings together art, history, and community to explore the lasting significance of Loving v. Virginia.

Set in 1968, Where Voices Linger follows the story of Antonio Lugano, a 70-year-old Filipino man who has spent five decades confined in an asylum. As Antonio faces a critical evaluation that could determine his release, the play explores his fragmented memories and an unexpected connection with Nurse Schmidt, uncovering buried truths about love, loss, and the enduring power of memory. Loosely inspired by the Willard Suitcases—a collection of belongings left behind by patients of the now-closed Willard Asylum for the Chronic Insane—Where Voices Linger sheds light on the forgotten stories of institutionalized immigrants.

CREATIVE TEAM
Playwright Jeremy Rafal
Director Dennis Yueh-Yeh Li
Cast Ariel Estrada, Olivia De Jager

Jeremy Rafal was born in the Philippines, raised in Hawaii, and now based in New York City as an actor, musician, writer, director, and educator. He was last seen in Heart Strings (The Atlantic Theater), Maple and Vine (Constellation Stage and Screen),The King & I (Interlakes Theatre), and at MOCA’s production of Double Happiness and Fly Me Away. His own solo show The Boy from Bantay was at Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer of 2025. TV credits include FBI, Raising Kanan, I’d K*ll for You, among others. He has also appeared in films and several commercials. As a writer, his play Where Voices Linger was a 3rd runner up in the Kingsman Playwright Contest and his short film Exit 15 has won several accolades at film festivals including Best Dramatic Short, Best Actor, Best Screenplay, and an Audience Award. Besides being an actor-musician, Jeremy is also into linguistics, jump roping, and CrossFit as a certified CF-L1 trainer. IG @thatonepinoyguy

Ken Tanabe is the Founder of Loving Day, which commemorates Loving v. Virginia (1967), the U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down laws against interracial marriage. Observed every year on June 12th, it’s a global day of visibility, education, and community.Loving Day has received global press and the #lovingday hashtag has trended multiple times in the top 5. The observance has been recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives, numerous institutions, and multiple cities including New York, LA, and DC.Learn more at LovingDay.org

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