Performance Exchange is a London-based touring company formed in 1980 as part of the first London International Festival of Theatre. With more than 100 shows, ranging from the classics to modern masterpieces, plus new writing too, the talented pool of actors, directors, writers, designers and technicians are now bringing John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men to Hong Kong.
You may have seen one or more of their many touring productions that have played in Hong Kong (usually at the Fringe Club) over the years. Of Mice and Men, however, comes as part of an international tour that has also taken in Indonesia, Cambodia and Thailand (so far) – but almost didn’t make it here at all.
“We’ve performed for so many years in Hong Kong”, says cast member Dan Foley “and wanted so much to bring this show to the territory too – because it’s one of the best things we’ve done. But we couldn’t find a venue in the time available, so it’s a big relief that we’ve now found a way to stage it, at the Premium Sofa Club.”
Through its association with the soon-to-be launched Brave Heart Theatre project, the Premium Sofa Club (a multi-purpose activity space in Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan) has recently been refitted with sound and lighting facilities suitable for the staging of dramas such as this.
If you don’t already know, Of Mice and Men is the story of two outsiders striving to find their place in an unforgiving world. Drifters in search of work, George and his simple-minded friend Lennie have nothing except each other and a dream – a dream that one day they will have some land of their own.
Tackling universal themes and giving voice to America’s lonely and dispossessed, Of Mice and Men has proved to be one of Steinbeck’s most enduring works. Best known as a novella, it was co-published for the stage in 1937; screen adaptations include Gary Sinise’s 1992 Palme D’Or nominated movie with John Malkovich as Lennie.
Steinbeck’s other works include The Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962.
The experienced stage actors of Performance Exchange have toured internationally for years, and also have extensive experience on screen, with some boasting appearances on famous British TV shows like Dr Who. Alongside Dan Foley as George, Nigel Miles-Thomas plays Lennie in this pared-down re-evocation of a US depression era classic. They’ve turned it into a two-hander, lasting just 65 minutes, with a family/schools audience in mind.
“Our target audience is anyone above 12 years old”, says Miles-Thomas “up to any age – any lover of good theatre. But as it is a set text taught for English exams around the world, it will be of especially great value to students.”
So why do they think audiences will especially enjoy this version? “We’ve had a great response from our audiences so far on tour,” says Miles-Thomas. “Our production is true to the story, beautifully told. And Hong Kong audiences will identify with the story all the more because it is about working hard and striving to realise dreams.”
As fun as it is to bring iconic characters to life, it’s also a challenge for the actors. One of the chief ‘supports’ of the production is the soundtrack, which they say adds great punctuation to the dramatic moments in the story. And atmosphere too, no doubt…
Of Mice and Men is playing at the Premium Sofa Club, Fui Nam Building, 212-6 Wing Lok St from Sept. 26 – 27. Showtimes are at 6pm and 8pm on Sept. 26; and 3pm, 6pm and 8pm on Sept. 27. Tickets are HKD180 for adults and HKD150 for students. You can purchase tickets at the door and online at ticketingover.com.
Words: Meaghan McGurgan
A version of this article was previously published on , Hong Kong’s number one blog for all things theatrical. They tell you what’s on, where it playing, and what’s good on their mission to bring artists and audiences together.
