History Play Gallery

A widescreen cinematic thumbnail for the Rooftop Productions (天台製作) rehearsed reading video of 'History Play', featuring a male performer in a dark, long-sleeved tunic standing center stage under dramatic blue spotlights. He looks upward with an inspired, emotional expression, one arm extended as he holds a script, embodying the intensity of contemporary Hong Kong theatre. In the background, a screen displays bilingual text in Chinese and English, while a fellow cast member is partially visible to the side. The image includes the quote: 'For such virtue resides within my'

Promotional video thumbnail for the Rooftop Productions contemporary theatre piece 'History Play' (《曲解莎劇》), featuring a widescreen cinematic shot of a stage performance. In a dimly lit, atmospheric studio space with warm theatrical spotlights, a male and female actor perform an expressive, dramatic movement sequence. The male actor gestures with one hand while holding a script, his face set in a focused expression, while the female actor moves gracefully beside him. In the background, other ensemble members are seated, with one musician playing a guzheng, highlighting the integration of traditional and modern performing arts. The large, bold white text '曲解莎劇' (History Play) is centered on the backdrop.

Promotional video thumbnail for Rooftop Productions' theatre piece 'History Play' (曲解莎劇), featuring a vertical mobile frame. A performer stands centered against a dark, textured background, wearing a black Elizabethan-style ruff and a skullcap, with striking red makeup around their eyes and lips reminiscent of traditional Chinese opera. Petals float softly through the air, creating a moody, dramatic aesthetic common in contemporary Hong Kong stage performances.

Key visual for Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece 'History Play' (曲解莎劇). The image features actor Burton Leung in the role of Rizzly (Earl of Southampton), posing with a stoic expression. He wears a striking black ruff collar and intricate Elizabethan-inspired black costume, accented by bold, high-fashion stage makeup with dramatic red eye shading and lips. He is framed against a dark, textured background as white and red rose petals drift around him, capturing the avant-garde aesthetic of this Hong Kong stage production. History Play key visual.

Burton Leung embodies the enigmatic Rizzly in this key visual for Rooftop Productions' History Play.

Key visual for Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece 'History Play' (曲解莎劇). The image features actor Burton Leung in the role of Rizzly (Earl of Southampton), posing with a stoic expression. He wears a striking black ruff collar and intricate Elizabethan-inspired black costume, accented by bold, high-fashion stage makeup with dramatic red eye shading and lips. He is framed against a dark, textured background as white and red rose petals drift around him, capturing the avant-garde aesthetic of this Hong Kong stage production. History Play key visual.

Burton Leung embodies the enigmatic Rizzly in this key visual for Rooftop Productions' History Play.

A wide shot captures a dynamic scene from Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece 'History Play' (曲解莎劇). On a minimalist stage bathed in warm, focused lighting, seven actors stand in a line, dressed in black contemporary garments. From left to right: Shirley Wong, Michelle Li, Wong Chun-lung, Chin Wing-kar, Burton Leung, Melo Man, and Bill Iu engage in an expressive performance, some holding scripts while others project their voices towards the audience. The background screen displays Latin and Chinese text as the cast recites: "Deo gratias Anglia redde pro victoria."

The ensemble recites 'Deo gratias Anglia redde pro victoria,' reflecting the complex power dynamics of the production.

In a staged reading rehearsal for Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece 'History Play', five actors sit on wooden stools under warm stage lighting. One actor, Burton Leung (Rizzly), gestures dramatically with an raised hand while speaking, his expression intense. Other performers, including Melo Man, Michelle Li, and Bill Iu, follow their scripts closely, creating a focused, intimate atmosphere of artistic exploration in Hong Kong. Burton Leung delivers the line with passion: 'When I scaled the high walls of Cadiz alone!'

Burton Leung as Rizzly brings intensity to the rehearsal, delivering the line: 'When I scaled the high walls of Cadiz alone!'

In a dramatic scene from Rooftop Productions' (天台製作) contemporary theatre piece 'History Play' (《曲解莎劇》), Wong Chun-lung, portraying Bill Shakespeare, gestures intensely while holding a microphone toward Melo Man, who plays the Earl of Essex. They stand on a minimalist stage bathed in vibrant red lighting under stage spotlights. To the left, a performer stands on a stool, and to the right, Shirley Wong, cast as Augustine Phillips, watches intently. As Bill Shakespeare hands over his weapon, he speaks the line: "Here, take my sword, I shouldn't have brought it."

Wong Chun-lung as Bill Shakespeare relinquishes his weapon to the Earl of Essex (Melo Man), admitting, 'Here, take my sword, I shouldn’t have brought it.'

Michelle Li commands the stage in a dramatic performance of Rooftop Productions' 'History Play' (曲解莎劇), her finger pointed upwards as she sings. Bathed in intense red stage lighting, she portrays the regal intensity of Queen Elizabeth I. A guitarist accompanies her in the shadows, while the lyrics 'Their voices bore me' appear on the screen behind her. “Their voices bore me”

Michelle Li embodies the regal intensity of Queen Elizabeth I in 'History Play', declaring, 'Their voices bore me.'

A dramatic moment from the contemporary Hong Kong theatre production 'History Play' (《曲解莎劇》) by Rooftop Productions. In a dimly lit studio rehearsal setting, actor Bill Iu (playing Cecil) sits center stage, gesturing expressively while holding a script. To his left, musician Ivor Houlker accompanies on an electronic keyboard, while another performer is partially visible in the background. As Cecil, Bill Iu delivers the line: "You want Queen Elizabeth herself to come out to greet you, perhaps?"

Bill Iu, as Cecil, commands the rehearsal floor with a biting query: 'You want Queen Elizabeth herself to come out to greet you, perhaps?'

In this scene from Rooftop Productions' contemporary Hong Kong theatre performance 'History Play' (《曲解莎劇》), Chin Wing-kar, portraying Aemilia Lanier, sits on a stool with a notepad in her lap, gesturing with her raised right hand as she speaks to a male actor. The stage lighting highlights their dramatic interaction, capturing the essence of modern Cantonese stagecraft. Chin Wing-kar delivers the line: "Or perhaps, my master has sent this painting, hoping it might give you some inspiration."

Chin Wing-kar as Aemilia Lanier delivers a cryptic proposal: "Or perhaps, my master has sent this painting, hoping it might give you some inspiration."

Two actors from Rooftop Productions perform in the contemporary Hong Kong play 'History Play' ('曲解莎劇'). On the left, a man in a black tunic plays an acoustic Takamine guitar while looking upwards in a moment of emotional focus. On the right, a person with vivid pink hair sits cross-legged, holding a script and looking down thoughtfully under warm stage lighting. The scene captures the intimate, minimalist staging characteristic of local independent theatre. As the guitarist sings, he muses: 'Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?'

Music and text converge in a quiet moment from History Play: 'Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?'

A wide shot of a minimalist stage production of 'History Play' by Hong Kong's Rooftop Productions. Four performers dressed in matching black attire stand on a dark, warmly lit stage, accompanied by a musician seated at an instrument. Wong Chun-lung stands on the left holding a script, with Michelle Li in the center delivering lines and Melo Man on the right, creating a focused, contemporary theatre atmosphere. The performance sets the scene with projected text: 'King Richard sits in his pavilion. Henry and Mowbray are prepared for a duel.'

Wong Chun-lung, Michelle Li, and Melo Man set the stage for conflict, as 'King Richard sits in his pavilion. Henry and Mowbray are prepared for a duel.'

On a dimly lit stage with warm spotlights, Rooftop Productions (天台製作) actors perform a scene from the play 'History Play' (《曲解莎劇》). In the center, a musician sits and plays an acoustic guitar while looking toward a standing actor who gestures expressively. To the right, another performer sings with arms raised, while a keyboardist plays in the background. The projection screen above displays the lyrics: 'Setting aside his high blood's royalty.' As the performers embody these historical figures, Melo Man delivers the line: 'Pale trembling coward, there I throw my gage.'

Melo Man as the Earl of Essex delivers a dramatic ultimatum: 'Pale trembling coward, there I throw my gage.'

In a dramatic scene from Rooftop Productions' contemporary HK theatre piece 'History Play' (《曲解莎劇》), actor Chin Wing-kar stands center stage, illuminated by warm spotlights. She is performing as Aemilia Lanier, expressing profound emotion through her expressive hand gestures while the English text 'Like to my followers in prosperity, Thou dost beguile me' is projected on the screen behind her. The atmospheric lighting underscores the intense theatrical performance. As Aemilia Lanier, she speaks: 'Like to my followers in prosperity, Thou dost beguile me.'

Chin Wing-kar embodies Aemilia Lanier in 'History Play,' lamenting, 'Like to my followers in prosperity, Thou dost beguile me.'

In this scene from Rooftop Productions' contemporary Hong Kong play 'History Play' (曲解莎劇), Burton Leung, playing Rizzly (Earl of Southampton), shares an intimate and dramatic kiss with his scene partner on a dimly lit stage. The silhouette of the performers is highlighted by dramatic blue stage lighting, with surtitles in both Chinese and English projected on the screen behind them, enhancing the emotional tension of this theatre performance. As the scene unfolds, the performers deliver the lines: 'She lov'th another better than me, and yet she will say no.'

Burton Leung as Rizzly captures a moment of emotional betrayal in History Play, declaring, 'She lov'th another better than me, and yet she will say no.'

Melo Man performs on stage in a dramatic scene from the Rooftop Productions (天台製作) contemporary theatre play 'History Play' (《曲解莎劇》). Illuminated by bright stage lights, the actor gestures with an open palm while singing, capturing a powerful moment of emotional intensity. 'Our moment has come, to rise like the sun.'

Melo Man embodies the Earl of Essex in this pivotal scene, declaring, 'Our moment has come, to rise like the sun.'

Burton Leung, playing the role of Rizzly (Earl of Southampton), stands on stage in a spotlight during a performance of Rooftop Productions' (天台製作) contemporary theatre piece, 'History Play' (《曲解莎劇》). He is wearing a dark sweater and a moon pendant necklace, gesturing with both hands as he delivers his lines with an expressive, joyful smile. Behind him, the English lyrics 'And after lots of poems, after I get to know him' are projected on a dark screen. Burton Leung says, 'And after lots of poems, after I get to know him.'

Burton Leung as Rizzly reflects on his journey in 'History Play': 'And after lots of poems, after I get to know him.'

Burton Leung as Rizzly shares a poignant moment of camaraderie in this scene from 'History Play', embodying the sentiment, 'And we’ll be friends forever.'

Chin Wing-kar as Aemilia Lanier performs in Rooftop Productions' contemporary Hong Kong play, History Play. Bathed in a dramatic blue spotlight, she sits on a stool, singing into a microphone with an emotive expression. The stage is dark and minimalist, with musical instruments visible in the shadows. Chin sings, "If you make it through this golden age."

Chin Wing-kar as Aemilia Lanier delivers a haunting performance, reflecting on the weight of time: 'If you make it through this golden age.'

Bill Iu, playing the character Cecil, performs in a scene from the Rooftop Productions (天台製作) contemporary Hong Kong theatre play, History Play (《曲解莎劇》). He is captured in a moment of intense focus, illuminated by warm stage lighting against a dark background, looking slightly off-camera while holding a script binder. His expression suggests a moment of dramatic realization or reflection. “Cecil”

Bill Iu captures the internal conflict of Cecil in a pivotal scene from History Play. “Cecil”

In a dramatic scene from Rooftop Productions' contemporary Hong Kong theatre play, 'History Play' (《曲解莎劇》), actor Wong Chun-lung (portraying Bill Shakespeare) stands center stage under sharp blue spotlights. He gestures expressively with his hands while holding a script, his expression focused and passionate as he performs. Beside him, another actor sits in the background, further grounding the scene in a stage production context. As he delivers his lines, he declares, 'For such virtue resides within my pen.'

Wong Chun-lung as Bill Shakespeare channels dramatic intensity in 'History Play', declaring, 'For such virtue resides within my pen.'

In a rehearsal for the contemporary Hong Kong production 'History Play' (《曲解莎劇》) by Rooftop Productions (天台製作), actress Chin Wing-kar, portraying Aemilia Lanier, is captured in a moment of intense dialogue. Under warm stage lighting, she leans forward with a focused, slightly exasperated expression, gesturing with her left hand while holding a script in her lap. Her dark, wavy hair cascades over her black, lace-up rehearsal attire as she engages with a scene partner. Aemilia: "Aemilia"

Chin Wing-kar embodies the complexity of Aemilia Lanier during a rehearsal for History Play. Aemilia: 'Aemilia.'

Musician Ivor Houlker, wearing a black hoodie and in-ear monitors, performs live on stage during a scene in Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece, History Play. He is captured in a focused, mid-performance moment, holding wooden mallets over his percussion instrument against a warm, dimly lit wooden background. Ivor.

Musician Ivor Houlker sets the rhythmic atmosphere for History Play. Ivor.

In this rehearsal photo for Rooftop Productions' (天台製作) contemporary theatre piece 'History Play' (曲解莎劇), actor Wong Chun-lung, portraying Bill Shakespeare, holds a script while engaged in a focused dialogue with a scene partner. The pair are captured in a moment of creative collaboration under soft stage lighting, highlighting the intimate and rigorous atmosphere of HK experimental theatre. 'Bill Shakespeare'

Wong Chun-lung explores the complexities of Bill Shakespeare during an intense rehearsal session for History Play.

In a rehearsal for the contemporary Hong Kong production 'History Play' (《曲解莎劇》) by Rooftop Productions, actor Shirley Wong, portraying Augustine Phillips/Steward, sits on stage with a warm, engaged expression. She is dressed in a black long-sleeved shirt and trousers, holding a pen while gesturing toward a colleague. In the background, musician Ivor Houlker is softly blurred. The scene captures the collaborative spirit of HK independent theatre. 'Gus Phillips'

Shirley Wong captures the essence of Augustine Phillips during an intense rehearsal for History Play. 'Gus Phillips'

A dramatic stage shot from Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre performance, 'History Play' (《曲解莎劇》). Michelle Li, dressed in an elegant black blouse, stands under warm, focused stage lighting, gesturing expressively as she portrays her characters, Queen Elizabeth I and Richard Burbage. She delivers the line: 'Richard II'.

Michelle Li commands the stage, channeling the essence of Queen Elizabeth I and Richard Burbage as she delivers the line: 'Richard II'.

Melo Man performs on stage during a scene in Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre show, 'History Play'. He is captured mid-monologue, wearing a dark jacket over a black shirt, gesturing expressively with one hand while holding a script in the other. His facial expression is animated and inquisitive, set against a dark background with a warm, circular stage spotlight illuminating him from behind. Performer Melo Man speaks the line: "William Kemp"

Melo Man captures the inquisitive spirit of William Kemp during this intense sequence from History Play.

In a rehearsal for the contemporary Hong Kong theatre production 'History Play' (《曲解莎劇》) by Rooftop Productions (天台製作), actor Burton Leung, portraying Rizzly (Earl of Southampton), stands center stage under warm theatre lighting. He wears a fuzzy black sweater and holds a script, his expression one of wide-eyed, comical surprise or dramatic realization as he faces another performer. 'Rizzly'

Burton Leung captures the dramatic realization of Rizzly during a rehearsal for History Play. 'Rizzly'

Seven actors from the contemporary Hong Kong theatre company Rooftop Productions stand in a line on a darkened stage, illuminated by dramatic blue spotlights during a rehearsal of their show, History Play (《曲解莎劇》). The cast members, dressed in black and holding scripts, perform with focused intensity, capturing a poignant moment of storytelling. As they perform, the cast echoes the line: "Love left behind in gentle verse."

The ensemble of History Play captures a poignant moment in rehearsal, echoing the line: 'Love left behind in gentle verse.'

Chin Wing-kar embodies the intensity of Aemilia Lanier and the Messenger in History Play.

A dramatic theatrical portrait from the Rooftop Productions play 'History Play' (曲解莎劇). Michelle Li is framed against a dark, moody background with red and white petals cascading through the air, reminiscent of a stage performance. She wears a structured, period-inspired black outfit with a dramatic Elizabethan-style ruff collar, looking directly into the camera with a piercing, authoritative expression. The aesthetic blends historical theatrical tropes with a contemporary Hong Kong avant-garde sensibility. “Michelle Li - Script Translation / Cantonese Opera Adaptation & Composition / Cantonese lyrics translation and writing / Producer / Director, performing as Elizabeth I / Richard II / Burbage”

Michelle Li embodies the complexity of Elizabethan power in our production of History Play, serving as both creator and lead performer.

Bill Iu embodies the stoic Robert Cecil, Baron Burghley, while also serving as the Cantonese lyrics translator and writer for History Play. (With kind permission from Musical Trio)

A dramatic promotional portrait for the Rooftop Productions (天台製作) stage performance 'History Play'. Shirley Wong, portraying the characters Augustine Phillips and the Steward, gazes directly at the camera with a neutral, poised expression. She wears a striking black ruff collar reminiscent of Elizabethan-era theatre, set against a dark, textured background accented by falling red and white petals, evoking a contemporary and artistic atmosphere. 'Shirley Wong as Augustine Phillips/Steward'

Shirley Wong captures the duality of Augustine Phillips and the Steward in this character study for History Play.

A dramatic promotional portrait for Rooftop Productions' contemporary Hong Kong theatre performance 'History Play'. The image features actor Wong Chun-lung in character as Bill Shakespeare, wearing a black, ornate Elizabethan-style ruff and a textured black doublet. He stares directly at the camera with a solemn, introspective expression. The background is a stark black texture, filled with falling red and white rose petals, evoking a classic yet tragic aesthetic. 'Wong Chun-lung as Bill Shakespeare'

Wong Chun-lung embodies the complex spirit of Bill Shakespeare in our latest production, History Play.

Ivor Houlker embodies the creative spirit of History Play as playwright, director, and musical lead. Ivor Houlker - Playwright / Composition and Arrangement / Lyrics / Music Director / Director

A dramatic promotional poster for the contemporary Hong Kong theatre production 'History Play' (《曲解莎劇》) by Rooftop Productions. The portrait features actor Melo Man, captured in a somber, cinematic aesthetic against a dark background with rain-like textures and floating red rose petals. He wears an elaborate black Elizabethan-style ruffled collar and dark, textured historical attire, staring directly at the camera with a stoic, reflective expression. Melo Man as the Earl of Essex / William Kemp / Henry IV.

Melo Man embodies the multi-layered intensity of the Earl of Essex, William Kemp, and Henry IV in our contemporary production, History Play.

A studio portrait of actor Burton Leung for the Rooftop Productions contemporary Hong Kong theatre play, 'History Play' (《曲解莎劇》). Leung is centered, wearing a dramatic black Elizabethan-style ruffled collar and a dark, ornate costume. He has vibrant, swept-back red hair and gazes directly at the camera with an intense, contemplative expression. The background is a moody, dark grey texture filled with floating red and white rose petals, creating a theatrical and romantic atmosphere. Burton Leung as Rizzly (Earl of Southampton).

Burton Leung captures the intense gaze of Rizzly (Earl of Southampton) in our production of History Play.

Promotional poster for the contemporary Hong Kong theatre production 'History Play' by Rooftop Productions. The image features a striking close-up of a performer wearing traditional Chinese opera-style makeup, set against a dark, dramatic background accented by falling red rose petals, symbolising the fusion of Shakespearean drama and Cantonese performance art. History Play poster.

Burton Leung stars as Rizzly in this striking poster for Rooftop Productions' History Play, a contemporary exploration of Shakespearean drama.

Back of the promotional leaflet for Rooftop Productions' contemporary Hong Kong theatre show, 'History Play' (曲解莎劇). The design features a dark background overlaid with floating red rose petals. It showcases portraits of the diverse cast including Wong Chun-lung as Bill Shakespeare and Michelle Li as Queen Elizabeth I, alongside production notes and ticketing details. This experimental stage performance creatively reimagines Shakespeare’s history through music and modern perspectives.

The back of the History Play leaflet features the full ensemble cast, including Wong Chun-lung as Shakespeare and Michelle Li as Queen Elizabeth I.

Promotional poster for the Rooftop Productions (天台製作) rehearsed reading titled 'History Play' (《曲解莎劇》). The central image features a performer with striking, stylized stage makeup, wearing a black Elizabethan-inspired ruff and dark period costume, set against a backdrop of falling red flower petals. The aesthetic blends classical drama with contemporary Hong Kong theatre sensibilities. History Play leaflet front.

Burton Leung as the Earl of Southampton in the official leaflet for the rehearsed reading of History Play.