"The Chinese Lady," Afong Moy, is believed to be the first Chinese woman in America. Beginning in 1834, at only 14 years old, Afong was displayed as a living exhibit, sharing her daily activities, attire, and the practice of walking with bound feet for curious American audiences. She remained on display for nearly half a century, clinging to the hope that her presence might bridge understanding between cultures. However, over the years, Afong confronts the loss of her autonomy and struggles with her fading identity. Throughout the play, Afong Moy ages and reflects on her years of being exhibited, providing insights into her changing views on her situation and the broader implications for how people of Asian descent are perceived in Western society.

The costume design is inspired by traditional Chinese porcelain, marked by images of plum blossoms and crack patterns, which hold deep aesthetic and cultural significance in Chinese art. This design represents the shared experiences and memories of early Chinese immigrants in North America, reflecting their common historical and cultural heritage through Afong's costume. It also illustrates how these collective memories have been transformed, fragmented, and lost over time.

As the narrative unfolds, Afong’s costume undergoes a series of transformations. Initially a faithful depiction of 19th-century Chinese fashion, it gradually loses its patterns, akin to a piece of porcelain delicately shattering over time. This continuous fading of patterns reflects Afong’s growing inner melancholy and sense of isolation. This evolution in her costume harmonizes with the emotional development of the play, while also guiding its aesthetic from realism to a more expressive and surreal style.