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Bilingual Youth Theatre 2015: “Nicholas Nickleby” & “General Hua Mulan”

In search of justice and righteousness
in 19th Century London and

China in Northern Wei dynasty.

Nicholas Nickleby and Hua Mulan are two young people from very different worlds and very different times, but with more in common than you would expect.

They are both dealt rough hands in life. When the death of Nicholas’ father leaves him and his family in poverty, and when Hua Mulan’s fragile, aged father is called to war, both have difficult decisions to make. Decisions that will not only affect themselves, but those they care for most. They must fight for what they believe is right in order to save their families from the injustices of their times…

Nicholas Nickleby

Classic Theatre adaptation of

Charles Dickens’ novel

In English with bilingual surtitles

When their father dies and leaves them in poverty, Nicholas Nickleby and his sister are forced to travel to London to seek the help of their only relative, uncle Ralph Nickleby, who is a cold and ruthless businessman.

Set in a harsh Victorian society where often making a living and keeping one’s morality come into conflict, it is a tale of good and evil, power and poverty and the importance of family. Told with biting satire and exuberant comedy, this masterpiece by Charles Dickens addresses many of life’s daily issues that are still highly relevant today. Will Nicholas rise above the injustices of his time to create his own success in a world so full of troubles?

Co-directors

Hannah Quigley

London based theatre director and film maker. Worked previously for the National Theatre and Young Vic Theatre, London.

Dr Vicki Ooi

Artistic Director, AFTEC

General Hua Mulan

Physical Theatre adaptation of

the Chinese Mulan poem

In Cantonese with bilingual surtitles

Hua Mulan is a classic heroine in Chinese literature. In Northern Wei dynasty during a time of foreign invasion, Mulan’s aging and vulnerable father was drafted into the army. To protect her father, Mulan disguised herself as a man and took her father’s place at war, even though this was illegal. Mulan became a General, led the army through bloodbaths and cruel battles, won the war and saved the country. However, when Mulan confessed to the emperor her real identity and pleaded for his permission to fight in the next war, she was punished. This production reflects on the power and status of women. Should adherence to traditional conventions always be seen as the highest virtue? Can doing something “wrong” be justified if it is for the “right” reasons?

Guest Director

Ata Wong

Director, choreographer, actor and physical theatre director. Appeared as director, adjudicator and instructor in arts festivals around the world, such as Hong Kong Arts Festival, International Theatre Festival in Pula, Croatia, Festival d’Avignon in France, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Tai Pei Fringe Festival.

Watch the trailer now!