“The Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival, featuring thousands of performances across Edinburgh over several summer weeks. As a producer, it provides an unparalleled global platform. The atmosphere is electric.”
WHO: Bonni Chan
WHAT: “‘At that time, I told myself not to cry, and so I didn’t.’ Inspired by the writings of renowned Hong Kong author Xi Xi, whose whimsical tales became a defining portrait of a city transitioning away from British rule; and the story of the last male northern white rhinoceros, Sudan, whose death marked the end of a species on the brink of extinction. Through the interweaving of texts and narratives presented in a poetic form, accompanied by live music and projections, this performance aims to explore the themes of memory and disappearance in an ever-changing urban city.”
WHERE: Paradise in Augustines – The Sanctuary (Venue 152)
WHEN: 20:45 (60 min)
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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
No. Actually, our company was found in Edinburgh in 1995 and later relocated to Hong Kong. Our show in 1995 “Fish Heads and Tales – a tender war “which received five stars review and was picked as the critic’s choice.
The Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival, featuring thousands of performances across Edinburgh over several summer weeks. As a producer, it provides an unparalleled global platform. The atmosphere is electric.
From an audience view, the Fringe offers diverse programming spanning art forms. You can discover emerging and established artists in intimate, unique venues. The vibrant cultural scene makes for a magical experience.
The Fringe’s strengths are artistic excellence, lively engagement, and openness to discovery. As both producer and audience, I’ve found it unmatched in fostering creativity, innovation and community. It’s an event I always look forward to.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
I learned that since the summer of 2023, when our theatres were allowed to fully open again, we are no longer restricted to rehearse 1.5 m away from each other while wearing masks. The whole company of story bearers can now be in one scene together instead of just 3 at a time. The live theatre experience is truly incomparable to any Netflix, YouTube, or theatre experience on digital domains! The whole theatre breathes together, our thoughts link, and emotions move together in a grand, encompassing way in the theatre space.
I have once again been convinced of the power and preciousness of the theatre. Yet by 2023, I have also become very interested in how to engage video media as part of a character to unfold a multi-dimensional story onstage.
“Must I Cry” is a fruit of the four long years of multiple semi-lockdowns and the unpredictable period of the environment. It is a propelled discarding and gathering of ideas among our artistic core.
Tell us about your show.
Theatre du Pif returns to the Edinburgh Fringe this year with their new production “Must I Cry”, which will have its premiere at the festival. The play draws inspiration from the literary works of renowned Hong Kong author Xi Xi, particularly her piece “Hong Kong Island I Love” from 1968, which explores themes of memory, loss, and the changing landscape of the city.
“Must I Cry” is deeply connected to Hong Kong, examining the universal experience of memory and the inevitable loss associated with it, as well as the contrast between the loss of memory and the loss of humanity caused by development and urban change. The production encourages reflection on where we can channel our grief amidst the constant transformation of the city.
After the festival, we plan to tour the production to share the stories and perspectives of Hong Kong with audiences around the world.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
I’d recommend you check out the diverse performance programs of Hong Kong’s groups spanning theatre, dance, and music – especially the programmes by the Hong Kong Soul ensemble. This would provide an opportunity for you to experience the blend of contemporary and traditional influences that characterize Hong Kong’s vibrant arts scene.
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