GalleryPresence

In a candid rehearsal moment for the Rooftop Productions (天台製作) experimental performance 'Presence' (《遙距在場》), actors Kenny Wong Chi-chuen and Ivor Houlker are captured leaning in close to study a piece of technical stage equipment. The lighting is soft and focused on their concentrated expressions, highlighting the collaborative and meticulous process behind their Hong Kong contemporary theatre work. 'Ivor and Kenny working on something'

Kenny Wong Chi-chuen and Ivor Houlker examine technical components during a rehearsal for 'Presence'. Ivor and Kenny are busy working on something.

In this rehearsal photo for Rooftop Productions' (天台製作) contemporary theatre piece 'Presence' (《遙距在場》), performer Michelle Li sits on the floor surrounded by three small, robotic devices emitting vibrant green and blue LED lights. Li, wearing glasses and a light-colored t-shirt, gestures expressively as she interacts with the technology, highlighting the company's focus on immersive and experimental stage performance. As she engages with the final narrative element, she reflects, 'The last story.'

Michelle Li engages with the final narrative element of 'Presence'. "The last story," she reflects while interacting with the performance tech.

A dramatic stage setup for Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre performance 'Presence' (遙距在場), featuring a detailed architectural model of a high-rise Hong Kong residential tower illuminated by cool, artificial light in a dark space. A small, remote-controlled robotic device wrapped in bubble wrap sits in the foreground, while a toy car is parked at the base of the model, evoking themes of urban isolation and distance. 'Flats in Hong Kong'

The stage captures the mechanical stillness of 'Flats in Hong Kong', reflecting the intersection of domestic confinement and urban distance in 'Presence'.

A behind-the-scenes group photo of the cast and crew of the Rooftop Productions (天台製作) contemporary theatre piece 'Presence' (《遙距在場》). The performers, including Kenny Wong Chi-chuen, Ivor Houlker, Michelle Li, Arisa Yasaratne, Owen Hui, Franco Yau, and Chan Tsz Ho Calvin, pose in a cluttered studio space behind four small, bubble-wrapped robotic rovers illuminated with vibrant blue and green LED lights. A large, bright pink teapot prop sits to the right, adding a surreal touch to this experimental performance project. Group photo after the show.

The cast and crew of 'Presence' gather after the performance, joined by the project's signature robotic rovers and surreal teapot prop. A celebratory moment following the show.

Three performers—Michelle Li, Ivor Houlker, and Kenny Wong Chi-chuen—stand together in a warehouse-like rehearsal space for the Rooftop Productions contemporary theatre piece 'Presence' (遙距在場). Each actor operates a small, remote-controlled robot equipped with glowing green and red LED lights. The industrial setting adds a gritty, experimental atmosphere to the production. Performer Kenny Wong Chi-chuen says, 'Titan Robotics'.

Actors Michelle Li, Ivor Houlker, and Kenny Wong Chi-chuen experiment with remote-controlled units in the warehouse, embodying the fictional 'Titan Robotics'.

A dramatic, low-angle shot from the contemporary Hong Kong theatre production 'Presence' (《遙距在場》) by Rooftop Productions. A small, detailed bronze statue of the historical figure Guan Yu is illuminated by intense blue stage lighting, standing prominently on a platform. Next to the statue, a white placard displays 'Guan Yu', 'Died: 220 AD', and 'Stored: 2009 AD' in dark ink. The background is cast in deep shadows with reflective, possibly plastic-wrapped surfaces, emphasizing the theatrical and experimental atmosphere of this experimental stage performance. 'Guan Yu'

A contemplative moment with the Guan Yu figure, highlighting the interplay between history and storage in 'Presence'.

Michelle Li kneels on a concrete floor in a dimly lit, cluttered storage space, examining two small, glowing robotic devices. Beside her leans a large framed wedding photograph and a wooden baby crib, highlighting the themes of discarded memory and human presence explored in the Rooftop Productions (天台製作) contemporary theatre piece, 'Presence' (《遙距在場》). As she contemplates these objects of transition, she reflects on the show's theme: 'Frequently dumped objects: wedding photos, cribs, golf clubs.'

Michelle Li contemplates the weight of transition in 'Presence', surrounded by the show's symbolic 'frequently dumped objects': wedding photos, cribs, and golf clubs.

A behind-the-scenes shot from the contemporary theatre performance 'Presence' (遙距在場) by Rooftop Productions, featuring a framed wedding portrait of Phoenix Cheung (張貝琳) positioned behind two illuminated, robotic-like stage props with blue and yellow lights. The lighting creates a contemplative, atmospheric mood typical of Hong Kong experimental stage productions. As the performer reflects on the visual memory, she remarks: 'Wedding photo'

Phoenix Cheung confronts the lingering memory of a 'Wedding photo' amidst the cold, mechanical glow of the stage.

In a poignant rehearsal scene from Rooftop Productions’ contemporary Hong Kong theatre piece 'Presence' (《遙距在場》), actor Michelle Li sits on the floor of a dimly lit room filled with hanging garments. She gestures thoughtfully towards a traditional camphor wood chest, illuminated by the vibrant, neon-colored glows of small robotic devices at her feet. This intimate moment highlights the interplay between technology and memory in experimental stage performance. As she interacts with the props, she reflects: 'The camphor wood chest'.

Michelle Li navigates the intersection of memory and machine during a rehearsal for 'Presence'. As she reflects, 'The camphor wood chest' becomes a bridge between past and present.

A close-up shot from the Rooftop Productions (天台製作) experimental performance 'Presence' (《遙距在場》), featuring a low-angle view of a dimly lit stage floor. Two white labels on a dark drawer front read 'Panda’s Food' and 'Panda’s Water,' positioned above a small orange food bowl and a shallow white water dish. In the foreground, a robotic device with glowing blue and red LED lights blurs out, emphasizing the high-tech, minimalist aesthetic of this contemporary Hong Kong theatrical production. 'Panda's bowl and water'

Feeding the virtual entity: a meticulous look at the care props featured in 'Presence'. This is Panda's bowl and water.

In this atmospheric still from Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece 'Presence' (《遙距在場》), a vintage Adobe Publishing Collection box from 1999 sits illuminated on a dark stage, reflecting the play's themes of memory, technology, and the passage of time in Hong Kong arts. The lighting creates a nostalgic, high-contrast aesthetic typical of our experimental stage productions. As the scene unfolds, a voice quietly reflects on the era: 'Adobe, 1999'.

A relic of the digital past takes center stage as the performance meditates on the passage of time. 'Adobe, 1999.'

Behind-the-scenes rehearsal photo for Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece 'Presence' (遙距在場). In a dimly lit storage space, one performer lies prone on the concrete floor to capture a low-angle shot of a miniature robot, while Michelle Li (李婉晶) crouches nearby, observing the tech-heavy setup with focused intent. The scene highlights the intricate production design of this experimental Hong Kong stage performance. 'Getting the shot...'

Michelle Li oversees the technical precision behind our experimental setup for 'Presence.' Getting the shot...

A close-up shot from the contemporary theatre production 'Presence' (《遙距在場》) by Rooftop Productions (天台製作) features a small, bubble-wrap-covered robot navigating a dimly lit, industrial storage space. The robot, illuminated by a warm, glowing LED spotlight, moves across the floor near the feet of a performer, highlighting the innovative blend of technology and performance art in this Hong Kong stage production. "Into the storage area"

A bubble-wrapped automaton bridges technology and movement in the storage area.

In a dim, atmospheric rehearsal space, performer Michelle Li sits on a wooden crate next to a decorative elephant sculpture, interacting with small, glowing remote-controlled toy vehicles on the floor. This rehearsal photo captures the experimental stagecraft of Rooftop Productions' (天台製作) contemporary theatre piece, 'Presence' (遙距在場), where mechanical elements meet human connection. As she gestures toward the illuminated toys, Michelle Li narrates, 'The elephant story'.

Michelle Li explores the intersection of memory and machinery while rehearsing the poignant 'elephant story' in Presence.

In a scene from Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece 'Presence' (《遙距在場》), a small, illuminated robot rolls across a wooden floor toward a person's legs. The robot is wrapped in bubble wrap and emits a bright blue light, creating an atmosphere of technological intimacy and mystery within this experimental stage performance. One of the characters softly reflects, "Through the kitchen."

In a moment of technological intimacy, the bubble-wrapped robot navigates the stage toward the performer. "Through the kitchen."

In this rehearsal photo for Rooftop Productions’ (天台製作) contemporary theatre piece 'Presence' (《遙距在場》), a performer stands atop a small, wheeled robotic platform glowing with vibrant green LED lights in a dim storage area. The scene highlights the experimental nature of the performance, blending technology with intimate, site-specific storytelling in the Hong Kong theatre scene. The performer is exploring the storage. 'Exploring the storage'

A performer tests the glowing robotic platform during rehearsal, exploring the storage for 'Presence'.

A dramatic close-up shot from the Rooftop Productions (天台製作) contemporary theatre piece 'Presence' (《遙距在場》), featuring a golden figurine of the historical general Guan Yu standing prominently. The stage lighting creates a moody, atmospheric contrast with deep shadows and vibrant red hues in the background, evoking a sense of historical displacement within a modern storage space setting. A handwritten placard displayed next to the statue provides the context: 'Guan Yu, died 220AD, stored 2008AD.'

A golden relic of history repurposed in the modern world: 'Guan Yu, died 220AD, stored 2008AD.'

A performer stands in a cluttered, dim storage room, holding a glowing orb that illuminates the space as part of the immersive stage design for Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece 'Presence' (《遙距在場》). In the foreground, a small robotic device with vibrant green lights glides across the floor, echoing the company's experimental approach to stage performance. Entering the storage area.

A performer navigates the immersive stage design of 'Presence', entering the storage area with a glowing guide.

A close-up shot from the contemporary theatre production 'Presence' (《遙距在場》) by Rooftop Productions (天台製作). A small, custom-built robot equipped with blue LED lights and bubble wrap bumpers navigates across an office floor, illuminating a discarded mini tape measure near a trash bin. This scene captures the experimental and immersive aesthetic typical of Hong Kong's independent stage performances. As the robotic performer navigates the space, a voice records, 'Finding objects in the office, a mini tape measure.'

As the custom-built robot navigates the workspace in Presence, it pauses to investigate a discarded tool. 'Finding objects in the office, a mini tape measure.'

A close-up shot from the Rooftop Productions (天台製作) experimental performance 'Presence' (《遙距在場》), featuring a small, remote-controlled robot wrapped in bubble wrap illuminated by a glowing blue LED light in a dimly lit room. In the foreground, a set of keys rests on a wooden floor, highlighting the intersection of technology and intimacy in contemporary Hong Kong theatre. As the performer guides the device, they reflect: "Completed the second task: find the keys."

Technology meets intimacy as the remote device completes the second task: finding the keys.

In a rehearsal for Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece 'Presence' (遙距在場), performer Michelle Li kneels on an office floor, smiling and pointing intently at two small, illuminated toy robots maneuvering on the ground. The scene uses dramatic indoor lighting to highlight the interaction between the performer and the technology. "TASK: FIND MICHELLE'S KEYS IN OFFICE"

Michelle Li navigates the intersection of performance and technology during rehearsals for Presence. TASK: FIND MICHELLE'S KEYS IN OFFICE.

In a dim office, performer Michelle Li sits on the floor interacting with small, glowing remote-controlled robots as part of the immersive contemporary theatre piece 'Presence' by Rooftop Productions. The scene captures a moment of experimentation with technology and space, where Michelle Li gestures toward the machines, which cast vibrant purple and green light across the wooden floor. This exploration of physical and digital connectivity is central to the show. As she observes the machines, she remarks, 'Exploring the office'.

Michelle Li explores the intersection of digital and physical realms, remarking, 'Exploring the office,' during a scene from Rooftop Productions' Presence.

In a rehearsal for the contemporary Hong Kong theatre production 'Presence' (《遙距在場》), actor Michelle Li sits on the floor, interacting with a small, brightly lit remote-controlled robot. The scene is captured through a mirror reflection, creating a layered, intimate aesthetic that plays with themes of distance and digital connection. Michelle, focused on the device, gestures as she follows instructions. The robot glows with vivid green and purple LED lights, highlighting the technological elements often found in Rooftop Productions' avant-garde stage works. Michelle Li says, "FIND POST-ITS, FORM A SENTENCE AND INFORM COLLEAGUE IN ROOM."

Actor Michelle Li engages with the Presence robot during rehearsals, following the instruction: 'FIND POST-ITS, FORM A SENTENCE AND INFORM COLLEAGUE IN ROOM.'

In a rehearsal for the contemporary Hong Kong theatre production 'Presence' (《遙距在場》) by Rooftop Productions (天台製作), a person stands in a dimly lit doorway. They are illuminated by a bright, warm light source from behind, creating a silhouetted effect as they look toward a foreground object glowing with intense green and red light. The scene captures an atmospheric, experimental moment of staging. 'Through the doorway into the storage area'

Exploring the tension of the threshold during rehearsal, as the performer steps through the doorway into the storage area.

In a rehearsal for Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece 'Presence' (遙距在場), performer Michelle Li (李婉晶) sits in a dim office setting, illuminated by the bright, blurred green light of a small robot in the foreground. The atmospheric lighting creates a sense of mystery and technological intimacy. Michelle gazes forward with a focused, contemplative expression, her hands gesturing as if she is navigating the space. This moment captures her saying, "Second task: Find the keys."

Michelle Li navigates the mysterious atmosphere of 'Presence' during rehearsal, echoing the directive: 'Second task: Find the keys.'

Two small, robotic vehicles equipped with Mecanum wheels and glowing LED lights navigate a wooden floor, surrounded by bubble wrap, as part of a creative rehearsal for the contemporary Hong Kong theatre production 'Presence' by Rooftop Productions. In the soft-focus background, a person works at a desk, capturing the experimental spirit of this performance piece. 'Around the office.'

Integrating experimental robotics into the rehearsal space. The office becomes a laboratory for Presence.

A close-up, atmospheric shot captures a small, high-tech robot assembly used in Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece, 'Presence' (《遙距在場》). The focal point is a camera lens and microphone rig illuminated by a striking blue LED ring, contrasting with a soft, bokeh-blurred background. This device serves as the performative 'eye' in the production, highlighting the intersection of technology and live performance in Hong Kong's experimental theatre scene. 'Close up of the car's camera and mic'

This high-tech rig acts as the performative eye of the production, capturing the intersection of technology and live performance. Here is a close up of the car's camera and mic.

In a scene from Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre performance 'Presence', three small, robotic rovers equipped with glowing blue and green LED lights and ring-lights maneuver across a dark wooden stage floor, evoking a sense of artificial companionship in a digital age. These mechanical performers mimic human behavior as they form a queue, metaphorically 'Lining up to get through the door.'

In a reflection of digital-age isolation, the robotic performers mimic human behavior by lining up to get through the door.

A long-exposure promotional shot for the contemporary Hong Kong online theatre production 'Presence' (《遙距在場》). The image features a low-angle view of a robotic or mechanical stage device wrapped in bubble wrap, illuminated by intense, glowing blue LED lights. The light trails create a dynamic, ethereal sense of movement against the dark background, capturing the experimental spirit of this digital performance piece. Promotion shot for Presence, Hong Kong online theatre.

Exploring the intersection of technology and performance, this long-exposure shot captures the ethereal aesthetic of our online theatre production, Presence.

A long-exposure promotional shot for Rooftop Productions' contemporary Hong Kong theatre piece, Presence. In a dark, minimalist performance space, a cluster of glowing violet and purple light trails zig-zags through the air, creating a dynamic, abstract effect that evokes a sense of distance and digital connection. Below the light trails, the base of a stage structure wrapped in bubble wrap is illuminated by a soft, ethereal purple glow, highlighting the experimental nature of this online theatre production. Promotion shot for Presence, Hong Kong online theatre.

The ethereal light trails in this promotional shot capture the experimental essence of Presence, an online exploration of distance. This production redefines the boundary between digital space and the Hong Kong theatre stage.

In a behind-the-scenes rehearsal for the Rooftop Productions contemporary theatre piece 'Presence' (遙距在場), performer Michelle Li kneels on the floor, smiling as she holds a pen while interacting with two small, illuminated toy robots featuring omni-directional wheels. The warm, dimly lit room is filled with creative props, reflecting the experimental and DIY nature of Hong Kong's independent theatre scene. As Michelle remarks during the rehearsal, 'Even the pens are salvaged.'

Michelle Li rehearses with the experimental robots for 'Presence', noting that 'even the pens are salvaged' to build our world.