Wong's theatre turn is a record-breaker
Local flicks have hardly been able to fill cinemas lately. The last one to do so was the Infernal Affairs trilogy, which ended last December.
Now one of its stars is proving his acting skills by taking to the stage. Award-winning actor Anthony Wong Chau-sang's new play A Small Family Business broke records with a sell-out of all 17 shows in just three days.
Directed by veteran theatre guru Fredric Mao Chun-fai and writer Roy Szeto Wai-cheuk, the play is an adaptation of English playwright Alan Ayckbourn's black comedy that takes a cynical look at human selfishness.
Produced by the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, it tells the story of a trusting nice guy from Hong Kong whose belief in honesty is challenged when he inherits a corrupt business in Shenzhen and eventually finds out his relatives are actually partners in crime with the Taiwanese.
With elements of sex, violence and love injected into a play that takes a satirical look at family and money, CitySeen assures you that the absence of Wong in the latter 11 shows will not be the major turn many people might think.
The catch is that Wong is losing a reported $2 million by taking time out from his movie schedule. His role will be taken up by another veteran actor, Ko Hon-man. Presented in Cantonese with English subtitles, the play will be staged at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
