Preview-Small Eyes for a Black Face-Brave Heart Theatre
13-3-15
By: Meaghan McGurgan
‘Love alters not where it alteration finds…’
An African king seeks a princess for his son. A Chinese sociologist seeks a guide for her studies. Somewhere in the mythical kingdom of Zamunda, lovers’ eyes lock and cultures collide with timeless prejudice in this fast-moving specially commissioned modern day fairy tale, told to African rhythms with Chinese characteristics.
Ever seen a Cantonese Opera and thought what would it be like if blended with African folktales? Maybe not… But this is what Small Eyes for a Black Face, Brave Heart Theatre’s new production, in association with African Ventures, seeks to do. They’ll be supporting the storytelling with Chinese masks, African drumming and multi-cultural love later this month in Sheung Wan's Premium Sofa Club for the final show of Brave Heart's current 'Love Matters' season.
African Ventures is a collective of artists dedicated to bringing a better understanding to all in Hong Kong of all things African. I had the pleasure of sitting down with four of the cast to discuss the project and what it takes to bring a world-premiere work to Hong Kong audiences. Nevielle Fon, Abele Assah, Alain Kaze and Darius Dzadu are from a variety of places in Africa, including Togo and Cameroon. These are French speaking African nations but the team made a choice to present their work in English.
“We thought we could reach more people by presenting in English” says Darius. However, some of the cast members will also be throwing in an occasional line in Cantonese. “People have probably never seen a show where a black man is playing a rich Chinese. It’ll be very challenging and fun to watch.”
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For audience members questioning what the title means, "small eyes" is the translation of an African word for Chinese people. Artistic Director of Brave Heart, Tom Hope explains, "We wanted a title to suggest how two different cultures can blend in beholding each other. Are the small eyes looking at the black face or is the black face looking out through small eyes?"
Alain Kaze is one of the lead performers. Originally from Cameroon, he studied art with his uncle, a renowned local artist, and it was there he developed his interest in music and drama. His passion for the arts prompted his travels across Africa and Europe to where he presently resides, Hong Kong. To him, art is a “magic world” where he is able to discover himself by working within his crafts: a multi-media inspirational collection of his travels, creativity and unique vision.
For Small Eyes, Alain is deploying his talents as both musician and fine artist to create the soundscape and scenescape for the show. “The drum is very important to the show" he explains "and the mask. Each helps us carry the story to another place so people can see Africa in their mind.”
“This show will be very different for Hong Kong audiences,” adds Abele. “They may not have been able to see an African show before. We hope they will like it and learn something about love and where we come from.”
The Chinese princess in this story is played by Sandy Lau, who you might have seen last November in Tear Gas!, also a specially commissioned world premiere for Brave Heart's inaugural season at Premium Sofa Club. She's not the only female character, though. Several of the cast members change gender/race to facilitate the story. “Unfortunately, we are all boys…” says Darius. “So we had to get creative to tell the story we wanted.”
Small Eyes for a Black Face is playing at the Premium Sofa Club from March 25th to April 11th, on Wednesdays to Saturdays only. There are two showtimes at 7pm and 9pm, except for the opening night when there will be just one performance at 8pm with all proceeds going to charities selected by African Ventures.
You can save money by purchasing your ticket online at Ticketingover for 200hkd. If you are sans credit card then you purchase your ticket at the door for 250hkd. For school or group bookings, please contact Tom Hope via the Brave Heart website. They’re highly encouraging school audiences to come and see the production.
“Audiences will love this show because it is something unique…. It has that magic something they have never seen before", says Alain. "By seeing two people of different cultures (Chinese and African) fall in love, we hope we will get people to ask questions and that will send our message of love to them.”
Send a message of love and go support the African Ventures team at Brave Heart later this month. For more information, click here!
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