What People Are Saying...
“Monkey King is an epic, full of drama and magic, but it is also a hugely entertaining story.
Diane Wolkstein does not just tell the story: she channels the main figures, becomes Monkey King and the priest to a startling degree; one could describe them as if one had actually seen them.
Drama is blended with comic episodes as this sumptuous story fills the stage. Without digital images, or projector, or any of the usual trappings, the audience is offered the most vivid reality, and time passes with amazing speed. The result is a rich and satisfying evening at the theater.”
— Olivier Bernier, Lecturer, Metropolitan Museum of Art
“I’ve seen Diane Wolkstein perform part of Monkey King twice, and each time I had a glimpse of eternity. She was opening the doors to the cosmos for her audience and allowing them to experience the healing power of story.
Diane showed us the interplay between the wild, ego-driven Monkey King, who fights for survival, and the gentle Buddhist monk who is guided by compassion -- even in a wilderness full of dangers. I saw myself and everyone else I know... and I left the theatre more connected to my own compassion!”
— Tracy Cochran, Editor
Parabola Magazine
“I’ve been tracking Diane Wolkstein for 30 years. Her solo performance of Monkey King is a marvel. She is at the height of her career; every word, gesture and pause is exquisite. She is a consummate artist.”
— Dr. Judith Pasamanick,
Professor, Director, Folklore
Institute, Bank St. College of
Education
"I wish all my teachers told stories the way that Diane Wolkstein does.
School would be a lot more interesting and a lot more fun."
— Jack Cousineau, 12 years old,
San Francisco
“Diane Wolkstein’s Monkey King takes us on a spectacular journey - funny, human and ultimately transcendent - in which we encounter ourselves and all of life’s ultimate questions.”
— Barbra Abrash, Director, Center for Media, Culture & History, New York University
