Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui | "The Silly Elephant" Contemporary Puppet Literary Theatre: Humans and puppets share the stage in a brand new adaptation by Ronin Theatre! Recreating Xi Xi's "The Silly Elephant", a story about "existence."

Description

“Learn not to be sad — you see, a tree never cries.”

Theatre Ronin reinterprets Hong Kong writer Xi Xi’s Xiang as an Idiot through the warmth and poetry of Contemporary Puppetry Literature Theatre. By weaving together puppets and performers, words and silence, this production recreates Xi Xi’s allegorical world to life in a soft glow: growing in uncertainty, loving amidst hardship, learning to live with quiet resilience. It draws the audience into an absurd, tender, and slowly flowing dream.

International puppet master Yeung Fai is invited as the lead performer and creator for this production. Born into a puppetry family, Yeung has absorbed modern theatrical techniques from around the world and breaking free from the traditional framework of puppetry. Combining multimedia and elements from both Eastern and Western theatre, he developed a distinctive contemporary puppetry aesthetic. His performances have toured across Europe, America, and Asia. His participation will bring audiences a cross-disciplinary encounter between literature and puppetry, reshaping the absurd world under Xi Xi’s pen.

Synopsis

Xiang, a Leo, who likes to see absurd plays, is a young man working for an animal protection organization. He does not earn much, but lives a simple and fulfilling life. He keeps many animals at home — as if it were a zoo. His girlfriend is named Butterfly Wong. One day, a short-haired girl in a long dress suddenly starts following him, and Xiang’s life begins to change…

Novel by / Promotion Illustration: Xi Xi

Creator / Director / Playwright / Scenographer: Alex TAM

Creator / Lead: YEUNG Fai

Producer: Jessie LAM

Performers: Cecilia LAU, TAM Yuen Ye, PONG Chun Hang

Scenographer: Cindy HO

Lighting Designer: Zoe CHEUNG

Sound Designer / Composer: Maj CHAN

Production Manager: CHONG Hiu Ting

Additional Information

- In Cantonese with Chinese and English surtitles

- Audiences below 12-year-old will not be admitted.

- Running time is about 70 minutes without intermission.

- Tickets sold are non-returnable and non-exchangeable.

- Concession tickets available for senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and the minder, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients. Limited tickets available on a first-come-first-served basis.

- Latecomers and audiences who leave during the performance will only be admitted at a suitable break.

- Program is subject to change with the presenter’s announcement as final.

- The presenter reserves the right to change the program and substitute artists.