The Umbrella Story, Spring-time Productions, Lyric Theatre, APA August 9 What is the use of an umbrella if there is no rain? Not a lot. Likewise, what is a theatre production about an umbrella business - which revolves around turbulent weather, local history and human relationships - if it lacks a stormy and dramatic atmosphere? Rather dull.
Thanks to award-winning playwright Raymond To Kwok-wai's heart-rending script and sophisticated shower system, this Spring-time production has successfully brought both drama and several black rainstorm warning-style downpours (literally) on to the stage.
Based on the real-life Leung So Kee - an umbrella factory and shop that opened by the Leung family in Guangzhou in 1886 and folded a century later in Hong Kong - The Umbrella Story is not only about the three children of patriarch Leung So but about the 'ordinary people' who lived through the turbulent times of the war-torn mainland and Hong Kong.
Narrated by Leung's grandson Cheong-wah (Chung Yat-ming), the drama opens on the streets of 19th-century Guangzhou.
Leung (Ben Ding) is a hard-working peasant. His fortunes take a dramatic turn when he runs into a gweilo who leaves him an umbrella after a skirmish. Having realised that Western brollies are of better quality than those made locally, Leung decides to produce imitations of the metal-frame black umbrellas, with a life-long warranty.
Leung's business soon takes off and the story quickly shifts its focus to his three children: the earnest Tin-chi (Tse Kwan-ho); charming Tin-yau (William Lo); the beautiful Mei-kiu (Chiu Woon); and their lovers.