Waiting for the Match The Nonsense Makers and Cinematic Theatre HK City Hall Theatre Reviewed: Apr 10
Elton Lau's play is about three single men seeking love in today's Hong Kong. Directed by Carmen Lo, the four-act drama is set in a dating agency that promises a 100 per cent success rate.
In walks Ah Shum (Ko Kai) who's in his mid-40s, then CK (Lau) who's a decade younger, and 24-year-old Cheuk Nam (Chiu Kin-tong). With the help of an unseen matchmaker (alternately voiced by the three actors), each records a short, truthful video about himself. They'll be locked inside the agency if they lie. It turns out all three have a secret that explains why they are still single.
Ah Shum is a puzzle aficionado who has failed to find the most important missing pieces in his life; CK fills his emotional void with visits to prostitutes; and Cheuk Nam buries his feelings beneath a hectic work schedule and filial duties.
Ko was most convincing as a middle-aged man resigned to his fate. Lau should have delved deeper into his character, who wanted to 'protect and hurt' the woman he loved. Chiu is a promising actor so it's frustrating to see him not sinking his teeth into his role. All three were excellent as 'the voice', sounding both menacing yet sympathetic.
Lau's script is well structured and not short of dramatic moments but Lo's directing lacks pacing. The men might have 'found themselves' at the end but did they find love? That was never made clear.
