Story of troubled British wartime poet Ivor Gurney comes to Hong Kong stage
A stage production about the torments of a writer 100 years ago touches on themes of belonging that have a new relevance in today's Hong Kong
A play about one of the great poets of the first world war is shining a light on the suffering of Hong Kong's ex-servicemen and the mental anguish many endured.
Ivor Gurney, a prolific poet and music composer who served with British forces during the war from 1914 to 1918, died in a psychiatric hospital in 1937 after a lifetime of struggle with mental illness. His story is being told through drama and song in four shows titled A Voice Apart, the first of which kicks off tonight at Fringe Underground, a new performing space at the Fringe Club in Central.
Gurney was hailed a poetic genius but was largely forgotten later in life as he struggled to fit in with society after returning from the front lines.
The play's producer, Karina Zabihi, says the "incredibly moving play" serves as a reminder of those who fought and have since been forgotten amid the bustle of modern Hong Kong life.
"I want to do this to give back to the local soldiers, and so all our proceeds will go to the Hong Kong Ex-Servicemen's Association," she says.
Before the 80-minute play, audiences will see a supplementary exhibition, set in a trench-like atmosphere, featuring memorabilia and a short film about the first world war.
