Last year September I was invited to join a team of amazing performers from all around the world, to help imagineer a new show for Disney Hong Kong. 

We learnt the music for the show and co-created harmonies and other things (as you’d do in a workshop process), then we went on to imagineer the actual show in a symbiotic and collaborative creative process where everybody had something beautiful to offer to help things workout to the favour of the show. In the end it was nothing but tears; shock that we that we had collectively created a new show, gratitude for an opportunity to work alongside some of the company’s best talent, including full days spent under the wings and guidance of the creative directors of Hong Kong Disneyland. 

Later I was invited to join the official cast of the show, again I wasn’t prepared for what was about to happen. 

Because I hadn’t heard from anyone about the show, and because of the irregularly changing Covid regulations in the city, I thought this show wasn’t going to go on. I was really sad. Then one day I got a call from the casting director- I’d be rejoining the team for the official show. rejoining the team meant a glorious reunion of the team that helped imagineer the show last September. But it also meant watching what the show would actually look and feel like when other talented people put their own twist on the original idea and man, first time watching I almost broke down in tears of joy- but this is our daily life though, can you believe it? 

For nearly two, maybe three months now, we have joyfully laboured, creating this show with the guidance of some of the world's most talented and large-hearted directors. We are blessed honestly. I recall the 4am call times and how my body clock had gotten twisted along the way trying to readjust and I also recall funny moments waking up at 7pm after a 3hr catchup nap, thinking it was 5am and I had missed my 2am alarm for work haha. All this now in hindsight, is nothing but beautiful memories which will forever add value to what you’re about to see, if you haven't seen it. 

When people watch a show, they never really know what goes on behind- they don’t know about the early mornings and late nights, they don’t know about the overnight rehearsals and the rainy days when rehearsals got cancelled, they don’t know about the emotionally overwhelming process of accepting criticism and they sure as well don’t know about the cost of it all. But here’s the catch though- they feel all that. The authenticity, the realness of it all, the explosive power of the show that leaves them nearly crying, that gets them; they don’t know where it comes from, but we do, oh yeah we do. 

I can’t wait to share this show with you, the whole team can’t wait! Maybe when you read this, the show would have launched already- if you haven’t watched it yet, get yourself out there and scream a little. Bring a box of tissue for the sweat and the tears maybe?

 

image by: @hkdlfantasy (instagram)