Cabaret explores Chinese identity, the evolution of language and generational differences in Hong Kong – ‘we’re making fun of ourselves’, say creators
- Anna Lo and Rick Lau’s third Hong Kong-style cabaret, The Farewell Comeback Tour, is ‘very specifically Hong Kong and intimately relatable’
- The show examines identity, generational differences and the evolution of language and slang through the story of a washed-up diva in the city
“Hong Kong” and “cabaret” are not often mentioned in the same breath, but musical artists Anna Lo and Rick Lau have found much success in this theatre genre over the past four years with their humorous but thoughtful takes on the city’s identity.
Tri Ka Tsai and LauZone, which premiered in 2019 and 2021 respectively, were popular enough to warrant re-runs in 2021 and 2022. In January 2023, two sold-out Tri Ka Tsai performances were held during Singapore’s Huayi Chinese Arts Festival.
“We present the content in a heightened or kind of absurd way, but it’s very specifically Hong Kong and intimately relatable. We’re making fun of ourselves and everybody,” says Lo, the show’s co-creator.
In reality, they speak a hybrid – sometimes confusing – language called Chinglish or Cantonghua.
LauZone focuses on the same Hong Kong multiculturalism while also taking into account that some of the older generations in the city still speak their ancestral hometown dialects.
“‘Laau sung’ is an old [slang] term that refers to people who aren’t originally from Hong Kong,” explains Lo. “This is most of us, because [our ancestors] are mostly from different parts of China. Our parents or grandparents immigrated to Hong Kong at different points in time.”
The show follows a washed-up diva deciding between retirement and revitalising her career in a fast-paced environment that may soon forget her. The plot questions whether this character has done or seen enough, and if she is ready to let go.
“It’s a loose continuation of the previous two productions but instead of focusing on specific languages, we’re looking more at language through the lens of time, what it means to the individual and how it affects the way you speak,” says Lo, who studied linguistics at university.
The singer-songwriter and a cappella artist also performs original music in the trilogy: “I’ve always made it a point to write songs that are very close to pop songs. They have to be very listenable with hooks and choruses that are easily remembered.”
She adds: “For the two previous shows, we had about 10 to 11 songs each. This time is no different, with different genres of pop, from rock to R&B to jazz. It’s very diverse and fresh to the ears.”
Lau, the other half of the creative duo, is behind the cabaret part of the series. “Rick is a cabaret expert. Once I knew I wanted to do something small-scale and intimate, I roped him in,” says Lo.
Although she had limited knowledge and little experience of the genre, Lo had felt it was a style that suited her vision best.
“Also, I like humour. I don’t like things to be too serious or emotional. So, I appreciate that cabaret performances can be loose and fun.”
Lo and Lau both grew up in Hong Kong but they moved to the US and Australia respectively for higher education and work. The pair created the trilogy in an effort to find themselves in a world that is rapidly changing.
They do not think that being a Hongkonger means being just one thing, and they hope their trilogy “opens up the doors for people to think about what it means to be a Hongkonger” and how diverse the answers can be coming from different people.
“The Farewell Comeback Tour” by Anna Lo and Rick Lau, JC Cube, Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong. 8pm on April 7, 3pm and 8pm on April 8 to 9.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is bringing “Lau Zone” to its 2023 Arts Festival “Arts in Multicultural Hong Kong” for students, faculty, and friends on 28 April at 7.30pm at its Shaw Auditorium.
