SILENT FILMS IN SOUND (2026)
(MORE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS WILL BE UPLOADED SOON)
Commissioned by the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, Stephanie Chou presents original scores to two early Asian American–focused silent films:
The Tong Man (1919)
Sessue Hayakawa, the first Asian American actor to achieve fame in Hollywood, stars in this crime drama as a hit man for a Chinatown gang. His bosses order him to kill an opium smuggler impinging on their turf. The only problem is the smuggler is the father of the woman he loves. Hayakawa was known for his energetic, macho acting style, and his performance here doesn’t disappoint.
Director: William Worthington. Country: US. Released: 1919. Length: 58 min. Format: DCP. Silent with English intertitles.
The Curse of Quon Gwon (1917)
This romance is not only one of the earliest known Asian American films but also one of the few silent films made by a woman. In the film, a Chinese American family are put under a curse for becoming too “Westernized.” Director Marion Wong plays the film’s villainess, and the cast and crew feature Wong’s family and friends. Curse is an impressive achievement for a first-time director and a bold rejoinder to the stereotypical depiction of Asian characters that were common at the time.
Director: Marion Wong. Country: US. Released: 1917. Length: 36 min. Format: DCP. Silent.
WORLD PREMIERE: May 3, 2026 at Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, Meyer Auditorium (Washington DC)
ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCES: Joe’s Pub at the Public (NYC) - May 7, 2026
Special thanks to Tom Vick
Musicians:
Stephanie Chou – voice, alto saxophone, compositions
Andy Lin – erhu, viola
Hyuna Park – piano
Matt Aronoff – bass
Ronen Itzik – drums, percussion
Review in Broadway World - “SILENT FILMS IN SOUND Is a Wonderful Trip Through History at Joe's Pub” - link to review, PDF version
“Both compositions matched the films quite well – a more grounded jazz set for the crime thriller, and then a much more psychedelic suite for the mysterious horror film. And both times, the soundtrack steals the show.”
”Chou’s composition leans heavily on older jazz palettes, with appropriate film noir ambiance during the scenes of criminals scheming and hanging out in alleyways. She also sings an excellent number during the climactic last sequence, with the film playing an excellent accompaniment to her performance of the song.
The composition for the second film, however, stole the show... Chou’s composition plays into that sense of uncertainty, constructing a very ethereal piece of music that the film’s visuals serve as an excellent accompaniment to....The composition matches this, being much more soaring, as well as featuring more singing from Chou herself. It’s a very unique experience, as the audience is left to interpret what the film’s exact plot might have been, while taking in the sweeping compositions. It’s easy to get lost in the experience, with winding saxophone arpeggios timed with the movie that create a sense of magic.”
INSTRUMENTATION: voice, alto saxophone, erhu, viola, piano, electric bass, drums
COMPOSER: Stephanie Chou
DURATION: 100 minutes run time for full show; The Tong Man is 58 minutes; The Curse of Quon Gwon is 36 min