Most of them are secondary or university students who have been taking part in the summer drama programme run by On and On Theatre Workshop since June.

The play is directed by experienced stage artists Alex Cheung and Faye Leong.

Written by novelist Dung Kai-cheung, the play revolves around two young girls.

Ah Chi is a big fan of science and literature while Ah Yan is an aspiring painter.

Both feel that their life is not going the way they want it to.

Ah Chi's father wants her to be a doctor instead of a physicist, and Ah Yan cannot realise her dream of studying fine arts at university.

The girls meet online, and decide to create a comics strip about a dancing girl with a mechanical heart and an artist on the run.

'The play is about the clash between idealism and reality and how young people deal with that,' said Cheung. 'Through their artistic creations, the girls find an alternative solution.'

Ah Chi and Ah Yan are played by Kwok Ching-man, a 23-year-old student at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and Tsoi Wan-wa, a 25-year-old actress.

They understand what their characters are going through.

'I studied journalism at university, and my family has been putting a little pressure on me since I became a full-time actress [one-and-a-half years ago],' said Tsoi.

'In the play, Ah Chi's father tells his daughter that studying is not for interest, but for practical reasons. I think many young people come across this in pursuit of their dreams.'

Kwok, who is playing her first leading role in a public performance, particularly sympathises with Ah Yan's character.

'As a performer, I want to create something original. But sometimes it seems impossible to achieve my goal.'

Dung's play provides a channel for the young performers to voice their concerns about personal, social and even political issues.

During rehearsals, the students surprised the directors by raising controversial topics, ranging from education and discrimination to George W. Bush.

The students exchanged ideas on these issues and gained new perspectives.

Sharing ideas and opinions gave them a more positive outlook on life.

'Life is like a mini-universe. Everyone will come across black holes, which can be A-Level exams, deciding what subjects to take or problems in our love life.

'Without the black holes, there won't be a supernova,' said Leong.

Cheung said the key was to never give up.

'I hope young people will not stop chasing their dreams when they come across obstacles,' he said.

'If you allow your dreams to blossom, they will take you to the next level.'

iD Generation: CosmoX will be performed on August 11 and 12 at 7.30pm and on August 13 at 3pm at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets cost HK$80. Call 2734 9009 for reservations.