What do the citizens of Hong Kong after 1997 and Foshan in the late Ching dynasty have in common? They do not know what to do with their lives. Theatre Ensemble and Prospects Theatre Company have pondered Hong Kong's state of confusion and come up with a hilarious kung fu play, Of Minds and No-mind, which offers some food for thought on the situation. Written and directed by Paul Poon Wai-sum, the play tells the story of ordinary folks living in Foshan - the home of national hero and kung fu master Wong Fei-hung - during a time of transition and high unemployment. Many start practising kung fu and join the Society of Heaven and Earth - a triad group from today's point of view. Although the story is set in Foshan during the late Ching dynasty, Poon said the play echoed the social and political sentiments of Hong Kong people after the handover. 'This play is about a group of people yearning to do something. Because they are not intellectuals, they don't know how to express themselves. They also don't know what they can do. They feel that there is a void in their lives,' explained Poon. The Society of Heaven and Earth is a secret organisation that aims to overthrow the Ching dynasty and resume Ming rule. But since the Ming kingdom vanished several hundred years before, the revolution means little to the people. These feelings of loss and confusion experienced by the kung fu fighters are shared by modern Hongkongers, who live in a city that has undergone significant cultural and political changes over the past decade. 'What can Hong Kong people do? And for what purpose do we want to do [something]? Is it for Hong Kong, China or money? 'Around the time of the [Legco] elections, people come out and say they want to serve Hong Kong. But what are their motives for and principles of serving the people?' asked Poon. Although Hong Kong people are unsure of their future, the veteran playwright said now was a unique historical moment for them to experience. 'We can witness several stages of history, from a colonial society to now and to somewhere unknown ... as part of this generation of Hong Kong people, I think this is something very unique. Not everyone has that type of experience or witnesses such a remarkable process,' said Poon. The play does not offer any quick and easy solution, as there is no single answer that is appropriate for everyone. But Hong Kong drama heavyweight Jim Chim Sui-man, who will perform in the production, said he hoped the play would provoke teenagers to rethink their roles in society and embark on a voyage of self-discovery. 'You have to find out where your kung fu lies. Everyone knows kung fu - you just have to find the one [that suits] you.' Of Minds and No-mind will run from September 24 to 27, 29, 30 and October 2 and 3 at Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Call 2734 9009 for ticket reservations.