Yellow Pareil

An ironic pun synonymous with "yellow face," referring to the practice of casting non-Asian actors in roles as Asian characters. The pun plays on the offensive slogan "Yellow Peril" (used in the 19th and 20th centuries to suggest that Asian immigration or expansion posed a threat to Western societies), but substitutes in the French term "pareil," meaning "the same as," to suggest the substitution of a non-Asian actor in a manner that purports to make them the same as an Asian actor for purposes of the work. The irony arises from the fact that the critique of theatrical "yellow face" is that it rests upon a false and illegitimate equation, which accordingly puts theatrical or movie producers at peril should they engage in the practice. (The Obie- and Tony-award-winning play "Yellow Face," by David Henry Hwang (2007), examines Yellow Pareil in depth.)

The Misanthropic Theatre Company's new production of the off-Broadway staple "Godzilla vs. The Mikado" has its moments, but the unfortunate casting of British starlet Sloane Whitbred as Yum-Yum puts presents an instance of Yellow Pareil of even more monstrous dimensions.

Yellow Pareil by FitofPeak2 July 16, 2026