Peeling Records

Peeling (1995-2005) was a New York City-based collective of writers, performers, directors, and producers. Using autobiography as a departure point, their collaborations explored contemporary Asian American identities through the development of original theater work. In 1995, Gary San Angel founded the group, originally named “Peeling the Banana,” at the Asian American Writers’ Workshop. The group developed many of its pieces through physical theater and improvisation work. Other performances were written and developed through group workshops. In 2000, with San Angel’s blessing, the group relaunched as a collective with members Gita Reddy, Fitz Mangubat, Aileen Cho, Ed Lin, Regie Cabico, Carla Ching, Michel Ng, and Dan Bacalzo. The group initiated a committee-based organizational structure, elected its first official leadership, and became known as “Peeling.”

The Peeling Records span from 1995 to 2003 and consist of video footage, photographs, original member-written scripts, event flyers, correspondence, performance contracts, and other records documenting Peeling’s performances, workshops and retreats, and members’ creative work within and outside of Peeling.

The Peeling Records are in transfer to the NYU Tamiment Library & Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives. A finding aid for the collection is in process.