EDINBURGH FRINGE 2024
Interview
BONNI
CHAN
© Credit Crystal Mak @Moon
MUST I CRY
Paradise in Augustines - The Sanctuary
THEATRE / DRAMA / INTERNATIONAL
Aug 19-25: TICKETS
AUG 18, 2024
'At that time, I told myself not to cry, and so I didn't.' Inspired by the writings of Hong Kong author Xi Xi, whose whimsical tales became a defining portrait of a city transitioning away from British rule; and the story of the last male northern white rhinoceros, Sudan, whose death marked the end of a species on the brink of extinction. Must I Cry, performed in English, is a multimedia exploration of memory through the interweaving of texts and narratives presented in poetic form, accompanied by live music and video projections.
Hello Bonnie how does it feel be bringing your show to Edinburgh Fringe this summer?
With anticipation and curiosity for the show first open to audience.
Will you be making any flyering trips to the Royal Mile? Godspeed if you do.
We will have a stationary trip! Playing live music at the Royal Mile with our flyers.
What does the Edinburgh Fringe mean to you?
Freshness of all kind, the Scottish weather, international audience, essence of theatre making and connecting
Can you tell me a little bit about how Must I Cry came about, what can we expect?
"Must I Cry" is the play that will have its premiere at the festival. The play draws inspiration from the literary works of renowned Hong Kong author Xi Xi, particularly her piece "Hong Kong Island I Love" from 1968, which explores themes of memory, loss, and the changing landscape of the city. It is deeply connected to Hong Kong, a rapidly changing city. It explores the themes of memory and loss from diverse perspectives, referencing significant historical places and events. The production examines the universal experience of memory and the inevitable loss associated with it. Additionally, it delves into the contrast between the loss of memory and the loss of humanity caused by human neglect, portraying a city where the tearing down and building up has left its citizens devoid of soul. Amidst these changes, the show encourages reflection on where we can channel our grief. It aims to evoke emotions and provoke contemplation in audiences.
If you could describe your show in three words what would they be and why?
Wild and Beautiful. An extinct white rhinoceros lives among us again and will never cease to live.
What would you say have been the most interesting things you’ve discovered about yourself in the process of creating your show for the Fringe?
The great freedom and freshness of using English to paint a story and truly appropriate for the character as well.
When a show is running do you give your self much flexibility with the material?
Not hugely with materials but certainly with the way of playing through deeper understanding.
What are your warm up and warm down routines during a run?
The Feldenkrais Awareness through Movement practice.
Where did your passion for performing come from?
To understand oneself and the world.
What do you hope to take away from the fringe this summer?
The good time with audience and a good week’s run to experience the piece.
What advice would you offer anyone wanting to bring a show to the fringe?
Enjoy the time in EdFringe, go to the Oxford bar to meet Rebus.
And finally, what would you like your Fringe 2024 audiences to take away from your show?
To feel that they are rich.