Stage play tributes Chinese University of Hong Kong

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After having published more than 100 books and sold millions of copies, mostly business-themed novels, Hong Kong writer Anita Leung Fung-yee has written a stage play, entitled "My Love," in which she also plays the lead role.

The play, which premiered last year at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in late August, and was later staged at the MJ Fox Theater in Vancouver, Canada, last October, made its debut on the mainland at Beijing's Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, where it has staged from March 2 to 4. It will then be staged at Shenzhen's Poly Theater from April 18 to 20.

The play is a love story, which spans generations.

It follows the life of a successful businesswoman, against the backdrop of events, such as Hong Kong's economic take-off in the 1970s, the financial crisis in the 90s, Hong Kong's return to the motherland in 1997 and the SARS epidemic of 2003.

Leung, also an accomplished businesswoman, has dedicated the play to the Chinese University of Hong Kong, as a gift marking the university's 55th anniversary.

Anita Leung Fung-yee (R) performs in the play "My Love." /Photo via Xinhua News Agency

The play, produced by the Federation of the Alumni Association of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, is performed and produced by the university's alumni, including producer Chan Kin-bun and director Stephen Shin, both graduates of the university.

Leung, who was born in Hong Kong in 1949, enrolled to study history at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1966 and gained her PhD in 1985.

Speaking about her role as a student in the play, Leung, whose novels have been adapted into films and TV dramas, said, "I love acting though I am not a professional actress."

"The protagonist is a pretty young woman, who goes into business studies after graduation. Besides beauty, she is smart and works hard," Leung added.

"Also, through the play, audiences can see the history of Hong Kong."

During the show, historic photos of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong are projected on the large screen at the back of the stage to help the audience travel through time and space.

Anita Leung Fung-yee (L1) performs in the play "My Love." /Photo via Xinhua News Agency

According to Chan Kin-bun, almost 140 alumni competed for the 20 roles in the casting process for "My Love."

Explaining why this was the case, he said, "The Chinese University of Hong Kong has had a tradition for theater since the 1970s. And there are theater competitions and performances every year. So, many of the alumni work in the field of theater after graduation."

"Also, we want to show (through the casting) the sense of belonging and pride as members of the university."

Chan added that all the ticket revenues will be donated to the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

(Top image: Hong Kong writer Anita Leung Fung-yee's play "My Love" has staged on the mainland at Beijing's Tianqiao Performing Arts Center from March 2 to 4. /Photo via China Daily)

Source(s): China Daily