HK Cultural Centre, Studio Theatre
Sept 6-8, 8pm, Sept 9, 3pm
There are no elaborate sets or sumptuous costumes in this adaptation of five short stories by 20th-century Chinese writer Lu Xun. Co-produced by Canada's Theatre Smith-Gilmour and the Shanghai Drama Arts Centre, Lu Xun Blossoms takes a bare-bones approach to theatre.
'We made a decision nine years ago to cut everything away and to start with actors and source material,' says co-artistic director and co-founder Dean Gilmour. 'We wanted to see what we could invent with action and images, as well as collaborating with a group of actors to get to the essence of the story through action.'
Fellow actor Adam Paolozza agrees. 'The actors can play many different roles, with the focus entirely on the actor and bringing the story to life.'
Without a set, the actors can jump between scenes more easily, which allows them and the audience to be absorbed in an environment only limited by their imagination.