Testimony
South Asians in Hong Kong: Documentary TheatreCattle Depot Theatre
1 hour 30 minutes
Over a hundred years ago, the British first brought people from South Asia to Hong Kong to keep the peace. Others came by commercial ship, to take advantage of new trading opportunities.
Now, South Asians make up the largest ethnic minority group in Hong Kong (apart from domestic workers), and the history of their contribution to the development of the city far outweighs their current visibility in society. Hong Kong has become an international cosmopolitan city, but the South Asians who helped create it are systematically excluded from it in the education system, the workplace, and the media. Many have been fighting for years for their voices to be heard.
The South Asian community here has already faced the problems that all Hongkongers are now facing. What can we learn from their experiences?
More information
Dates & Tickets
Dates
Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Ticket Prices
HK$150–200
Audience Information
Language
Mainly in Cantonese and English.
Ticket Reminders
Seating is unallocated. No refunds after ticket confirmation.
The show lasts for around 90 minutes, please stay for our post-show talk.
Latecomers will not be admitted.
All rights reserved by Rooftop Productions Ltd.
Venue
Cattle Depot Theatre
Unit 7, Cattle Depot Artist Village, Ma Tau Kok Road
Getting there
從土瓜灣站A出口步行5分鐘。
Creative and Production Team
Directors | |
Music Director | |
Dramaturg | |
Collaborating Actors | |
Lighting Designer | |
Musician | |
Video Designer | |
Stage Manager | |
Assistant Stage Manager | |
Assistant Producer | |
Lighting Operator | |
Academic Advisor | |
Graphic Designer | |
Promotion Photographer |
Acknowledgements: Phoenix Cheung, 18th Art Space.
Awards & Recognition
Awards and recognition for shows or achievemenets
Winner of
Best Scenography
12th Hong Kong Theatre Libre (2019-2020)
Nominated for
Best Script
12th Hong Kong Theatre Libre (2019-2020)
Nominated for
Best Director
12th Hong Kong Theatre Libre (2019-2020)
Nominated for
Best Performance
12th Hong Kong Theatre Libre (2019-2020)
Nominated for
Best Actor
IATC (HK) Critics Awards 2019
Winner of
Performance of the Year
IATC (HK) Critics Awards 2019
Winner of
Best Scenography
IATC (HK) Critics Awards 2019
Gallery
What Critics Say
Quotes from reviews and articles about us and our shows
Directors' Notes
In one of our interviews about society’s perception of ethnic minorities, we asked the interviewee: "If people say: 'Resources are limited, we should look after local people first.' how would you respond?" She took an unhurried sip of coffee and replied: “They are local people.” We all laughed, disarmed by her simple answer. Actually ‘local’ and ‘non-Chinese’ have never been opposites; these two concepts can stand together.
Going into the research phase of this show last year when we met Prof. Lisa Leung, we had a lot to learn. Neither of us can claim any South Asian heritage, so it was vital to form our opinions by talking directly to the people we wanted to learn about. We ran theatre workshops for Hong Kong South Asian youth, we volunteered teaching at their Chinese lessons, and arranged interviews with upwards of 30 people related to the topic. We also knew it would be essential to have actors with South Asian heritage involved directly in the creative process, and luckily we found there are plenty of very talented people in Hong Kong. We worked together to create the content and the script, based on verbatim interview transcripts as well as the actors’ own experiences and reflections. - Ivor Houlker, Michelle Li
"As someone with partly Sri Lankan heritage, I thought I knew about all the issues relating to ethnic minorities in Hong Kong, but I really didn’t. Making this show opened my eyes and made me realise that some ethnic minorities are more neglected than I thought. The question I kept asking myself was ‘Well, what can I do?’" - Arisa
"Doing this show has made me realise the important role we South Asians have played in the development of Hong Kong’s society. It has changed the way I think about myself as an ‘ethnic minority’. It made me realise that I am part of Hong Kong - our history and future is intertwined." - Tusar
"Our rehearsal process coincided with a historical social movement, but instead of hindering our progress, it actually helped me better understand Hong Kong’s culture, history, and interpersonal relationships. Through learning the history of the path that ethnic minorities have taken, I realised that we should act - not just for ourselves, but for those around us; together we are proud of being Hongkongers." - King Lung
"I discovered that there is still so much to discover; this is just the beginning." - Kashif
About the Artists
Learn more about everyone involved in the production
Ivor Houlker
Ivor Houlker is a multidisciplinary theatre artist, who works internationally as a director, actor, musician, and programmer.
Michelle Li
Michelle Li is an interdisciplinary performer and theatre practitioner in Hong Kong. She has created site-specific theatre works in the UK, Greece, and Sicily, and continues to develop her performing and creative career locally, working as a producer, director, performer, and designer.
Lai Sim Fong
Sim Fong graduated with a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Practice from the University of Exeter (UK). She works as a dramaturg in theatre and contemporary dance.
Mohammad Kashif Ali
Basnet Tusar
Ng King Lung
Arisa Yasaratne
Arisa Yasaratne is a 3/4 Chinese, 1/4 Sri Lankan freelance actress who has worked on projects both on stage and on camera.
Au Yeung Hon Ki
Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Electronic Engineering from City University; BA from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.
Chan Tsz Ho Calvin
Freelance multimedia and theatre artist Calvin Chan specialises in video design, multimedia design and live mixing. He also works as technical consultant for a variety of live performances and events, as well as films and TV productions. Recent theatre works include: Testimony and The Furies Variations (Rooftop Productions), Confrontations and February 14 – A musical (Hong Kong Repertory Theatre), and Bull (Fableist Ensemble).
Kahy Chan
Herriet Tsang
Chan Myae Mon Mon
Cheng Hoe Ling Sarah
Graduated with First Class Honours from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, majoring in Stage Lighting Design.
Lisa Leung
Alfie Leung
Alfie is a freelance graphic designer/amateur actor/amateur playwright.