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Review
Music Theatre

Songs of Innocence and Experience (inChatshire)

I missed the HKAPA version of Songs of Innocence and Experience with the same team two years ago, so I have no basis for comparison. Apparently the framework is the same, but the content has changed significantly, especially the stories of the actors who have transitioned from being students to entering society.

This production is outstanding and has been a rare viewing experience for me in recent years. The performance revolves around the passionate debate between God, angels, and demons in John Milton's Paradise Lost from the 17th century, along with the content of Milton's other work, Areopagitica, and the artwork of British poet William Blake.

Several graduates of the Academy not only portray characters but also reveal their own real-life identities, skillfully transitioning between roles and their true selves. They respectively play God, angels, and Lucifer (the devil), showcasing the exploration of freedom from absolute obedience to Lucifer's rebellion, and the doubts that arise from unquestioning obedience to God. Co-directors Michelle Li and Ivor Houlker overlap and intertwine the text with the actors' real identities and experiences, allowing us to see the astonishing commonalities: the hypocrisy of those in power and the control exerted over young people or angels seeking freedom.

The first version focused more on student stories of innocence, whereas this new version features actors who have recently graduated and are experiencing the bittersweet realities of stepping into society. Therefore, I feel that this collaboration between Rooftop Productions and West Kowloon Cultural District for "Songs of Innocence and Experience" is not so much a "reproduction" as it is a "recreation." The sense of being lost and confused portrayed in the performance is something we as adults have also experienced, creating a sense of resonance. What moved me the most was their sincerity on stage—they were able to express even the realities that are typically left unspoken—and this sincerity permeated the entire production.

The performance incorporates live music, live camera feed, and original compositions. The entire production is marked by the creativity of young people, with contemporary theatrical treatments, vibrant and powerful interpretations, allowing me to witness the harshness faced by the youth of today and their uncertainty about the future, but also the overflowing with creativity and strength within them.

Originally published in: inChatshire. We create a mirrored version of reviews and articles about our shows for archival purposes, so that we can retain a version if the original disappears. We always link to the original publisher and credit the author. However, if you are the owner of this material and you would like us to remove it, please get in touch.