LEASED EVENT

by Henry Ong

directed by Dianna Wyenn

World Premiere at Skylight Theater

May 9 - June 14, 2026

Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 3 pm

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, April 7!

In 1935, a promising young engineer from China named Qian Xuesen travels to America on a Boxer Indemnity Scholarship. Advancing quickly through the ranks at MIT and CalTech, he becomes a pioneer of the American space age, co-founding JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) and helping the United States of America win World War II. But as extreme nationalism swells in the U.S. and the Cold War begins, Xuesen soon finds himself accused of being a Communist. Caught between war and politics, what happens next shapes the future of both his new and native homelands.

Inspired by true events, Henry Ong’s Ascent was first heard in 2016 at EST/LA and then workshopped at Inkwell Theater Company in 2017, both with direction and dramaturgy by Diana Wyenn. This production marks the long-awaited world premiere of the beloved playwright and LA Theater champion's final play. 

Henry Ong, playwright

Diana Wyenn, director and dramaturg

Randy Wong-Westbrooke, scenic designer

Joey Guthman, lighting designer

John Zalewski, sound designer

Mylette Nora, costume designer

Plain Wood Productions, producer

Carrie Menkel-Meadow, producer

Robert Meadow, producer

Stella Ong, producer

Matthew Black, associate producer

Ascent is made possible in part with generous support from individual donors (click here to support) and STAR, Skylight Theatre Artist Residency.