"Adapting excellent literary works and advancing on the shoulders of literature is probably a good choice. Hope to see more masterpieces with historical and humanistic perspectives from Tam Hung-man and Theatre Ronin."

——Lin Kehuan, Dramaturg, National first-class critic,

Honorary President of the China Dramaturgy Society

 

Since its establishment, Theatre Ronin has been dedicated to adapting Hong Kong literature for theatrical performances. In 2022, they made a new attempt by adapting the first novel by the British writer Orwell, 'Burmese Days,' for a contemporary theatrical production, achieving remarkable success:

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"Tam Hung-man taps into the depths of Orwell's soul, which itself is the ultimate meaning of the dialogues between theatre and literature."

——Dung Kai-cheung, Hong Kong novelist

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"The theatre is poetic yet sharp and powerful, just like the original." 

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——Professor Wong Nim-yan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chinese Language and Literature and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Arts (Public Relations and Promotion) at the Chinese University of Hong Kong
 

In April this year, the troupe will perform the critically acclaimed play once again, led by a new cast and guided by the spirit of the young Orwell, delving once more into colonial-era Burma. Navigating the forest of power and desire, they reveal humanity within the beastly nature, and the other way round.

 

If we have evolved with virtuous qualities,

why are we still so despicable?

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The story follows John Flory, a British timber merchant in his thirties, during the colonial period in Burma. He despises European colonialism, loves Eastern culture of Burma, and has been hoping to find a soulmate.

One day, a British girl named Elizabeth arrives, and he believes he has found his true love. However, he is repeatedly entangled in a complicated relationship with his former Burmese lover, Ma Hla May……

 

​In Cantonese with Chinese and English surtitles