The playwright and director Derek Chan discusses his new exhibition yellow objects on at the Firehall Arts Centre (11-22 May 2021), that looks at Hong Kong in 2019 and one in the future, with Joseph Planta.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

Derek Chan joins me now. The award-winning playwright has written and directed a new exhibition that will be hosted in the courtyard of the Firehall Arts Centre, yellow objects. It is also its world premiere. The exhibition, though I might refer to it as a show as well, will feature objects, voice recordings and projections, that beginning Tuesday, 11 May through to Saturday, 22 May 2021, will reflect on the Hong Kong of the present as well as one thirty years hence. We see two eras, inspired by the ongoing pro-democracy movement there, as well as the government of China’s oppressive enforcement of the National Security Law. As democracy is seemingly being dismantled there, we see the two protagonists, Sandra Wong and Uncle Chan’s journey, and what it’s like to be politically defiant against tyranny. I’ll get Derek to tell us about yellow objects, its genesis, the message, and why we should pay attention to what’s happening there. Visit www.riceandbeanstheatre.com where one can get started by watching some filmed pieces that will preview the story if you will. Over the twelve-day run, each showing will be limited to ten patrons, and there will be mask wearing, as well as social distancing. They intend to have a total of fifty showings, at forty minutes in length, so there’ll be plenty of opportunity to see the show and attend it safely. Visit www.firehallartscentre.ca for tickets and information. There is a scale reflecting COVID Compassion Pricing, so do visit the site for details. Derek Chan grew up in colonial Hong Kong, and studied in Norway. He currently lives here in Vancouver, where he received his BFA in theatre performance from Simon Fraser University. He has been co-artistic director of rice & beans theatre since 2010. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Derek Chan; Mr. Chan, good morning.

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