In one of his works, Lu Xun created the character Kong Yiji, who is an impoverished intellectual and object of ridicule at Xianheng Tavern. We can still remember the moments described in the book: Kong Yiji in his long and ragged gown, a theft and the 12-year-old waiter who has just started to work at the tavern… Will the tragic ending we all know reoccur, or can it be rewritten?
Children’s musical The Story of Kong Yiji turns the well-known short story Kong Yiji by LuXun into a family show which integrates Chinese literature, traditional music and multimedia, inviting audiences of all ages to see the world through the eyes of the little waiter. What is Kong Yiji like to the mind of a child? Will social class differences hold people back from showing kindness? Will others’ misfortune rekindle people’s compassion? Let us find out together.
Director, Playwright and Lyricist: Carmen Mok
Composer and Arranger: Henry Poon
Cast: Paul Lao, Martin Lei, Fei Ho, Hilda Cheang, Sabrina Tam, Alex Ao, Stanley Ma, Charlson Si, Ivan Chan, Elise Chan, Kylie Fong, Ines Wong and Alice Chan
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes, no interval
Performed in Cantonese, no surtitles
Restricted to audiences aged 3 or above
The Story of Kong Yiji