Stage64 is a theatrical group established in Hong Kong, that writes and produces live stage performances concentrating on the June 4, Tiananmen square massacre. Their first key production, “Edelweiss,” was performed in Hong Kong in 2009. From 2009 to 2019, they put on many performances at the Hong Kong Arts Centre and schools to let students know about the horrific occurrences that took place. But after the umbrella movement in 2014 and later the 2019 protests, the group says, it became more and more difficult to get school bookings. On June 4, 2020, they took a big step in screening live performances worldwide.
Since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law in 2020, many pro-democracy political groups and civil organizations have been disbanded.
Many former members of the now disbanded group, The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China (HK Alliance), had been arrested and charged with inciting others to subvert state power under the new National Security Law.
There is little space in Hong Kong for performing shows commemorating June 4. Hence, Stage64 producer Lit Ming-wai decided to make a new life in the UK.
Hong Kong Schools’ Attitude Toward Stage64 Changed
Lit said Stage64 celebrated the 20th anniversary of June 4, 2009, with the production of the theatrical play “Edelweiss.”As the play received incredible feedback, “Edelweiss” has become a signature play for the company since 2010.
In the years between 2009 and 2019, Stage64 produced a total of seven plays. They also began touring secondary schools all over Hong Kong and used performing art to depict the story of June 4, 1989. That lasted until 2019.
That changed in 2014, after the Umbrella Revolution. Responses to the performance dropped as Hong Kong schools became more “politically cautious” regarding sensitive topics.
‘35th of May’ Bloomed
When discussing the new drama titled “35th of May,” Li described the play as a harvest on stage and an art piece responding to current happenings. Stage64 spent about 1.5 years in its preparation and invited renowned director Lee Jan-chow and Chinese playwright Candace Chong Mui-ngam to join the cast.The general public enjoyed it as all 12 shows were sold-out.
The drama, “35th of May” snatched up five awards at the 29th Hong Kong Drama Awards, including Best Director, Best Production, Best Screenplay, Best Lighting Design, and Outstanding Creation of the Year.
Since Lit moved to England, she has run “35th of May” screening events worldwide with eight shows in her new home, three in Canada, 21 in the United States, and three in Taiwan, attended by over 1000 people.
As she is now in a country that breathes freedom, Lit wants to continue to tell the story of Hongkongers.