A Cantonese Theater Group Invites
Young Hong Kong Immigrants for a
Joint Musical Creation
2023.09.11
Organized by the Asian and Multicultural Ministries in Canada (AMMIC), the Cantonese musical Better Me, produced by the YHF Theatre, successfully held two performances over the weekend at Vancouver's Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre, drawing support from over 600 attendees. Adapted from a true story, "Better Me" brings the heartfelt narrative of teachers and students at Christian Zheng Sheng College, a school with rehabilitation services, to the stage in Vancouver. The original script is written by Mr. Elton Lau, who was awarded "Best Scriptwriter" at the Hong Kong Drama Awards. Renowned Hong Kong artist Ray Kwok adapted it into a musical, incorporating over ten original Cantonese songs performed and created by a group of young Hong Kong immigrants actively participating in the production.
Kwok stated, "Better Me, more than 50 young individuals were involved both on and offstage. Not only did they meet the expected standards in the two performances, but I also noticed a significant improvement in their spontaneity. I am confident that they have the potential to grow into mentors, supporting newcomers and contributing to the ongoing progress of Cantonese musicals in the future."
During the Sunday session, the program featured two unique performances: "Mommy Forg," presented as a Chinese reading theater piece by a group of children aged 2-6, and "Outburst," a Cantonese musical starring over twenty young actors aged 6-15. Despite their youth, the performers showcased remarkable talents, seamlessly blending acting and singing, earning them resounding applause from the audience.
YHF Theatre is committed to promote training and creation in Cantonese musical theater, encouraging new immigrants to expand their social circles and establish roots in their new Canadian lives through this vibrant form of artistic expression. Individuals or parents interested in the program are welcome to inquire by emailing yhftheatre@gmail.com.