"May 35th" Gengzi Edition Join Forces for Global Live Online Performance on the night before June 4th. "With the forecast of the political climate now, I am very worried that this play will not be any chance to put on stage again" said Chan Chu-hei, the director. We target to join the force of citizen to let us share this Online LIVE theatre production “May 35th”globally, make this story worldwide, and let the truth speak for itself, justice be sought after. When "June Fourth" became the date that must not be named and cannot be searched online in China, May 35th seems to be the only way out. "This is the story I always wanted to write. I felt even more connected to the mother who lost her kid, when I became a mother myself, while taking care of my frail aging mother." Said playwright Candance. This allowed her to figure out the best entry point of this touching story and finally made it after two years of interview and research. Another year has just passed. Octogenarians Siu Lum and Ah Dai are afflicted with the usual ailments of old age. They await death—a natural occurrence that is a part of life. But 30 years ago, their son Chit met an unnatural death. Even today, many unanswered questions still surround the incident. Siu Lum looks forward to being released from those bitter years lost searching for accountability. On the other hand, Ah Dai, who had been cowardly for years, grows all the more impetuous. Decades ago, he avoided such conflicts, concerned only about preparing for their future. With his spouse now staring death in the face, what is left to fear? The two set an ambitious goal: On May 35th, they’ll hold a proper gravesite ritual for their son. A normal activity that takes place in broad daylight in an abnormal country is still against the law. “Let’s challenge this abnormal bottom line,” said Ah Dai. “Spouse, finally, I believe you love me,” Siu Lum replied. It’s a date: to commemorate May 35th openly, in broad daylight.

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June 2019 marked the 30th anniversary of the “June Fourth Incident”. Local art group Stage 64 joined hands with renowned playwright Candace Chong Mui-ngam to create May 35th. The first 5 premieres as well as the 6 additional shows were all sold out with great acclaims, followed by 6 nominations in the subsequent Hong Kong Drama Awards, including Best Script! The social movement in the past 6 months has made Hong Kongers no strangers to tyranny and brutality, and has transcended the meaning of "June Fourth" within us. Especially when we are living in a world full of lies and fake news, the play "May 35th" is for mourning and also a warning! Candance Chong Mui-ngam has visited the Mainland for screenplay research. There she met up with some interviewees, whose family members were June Fourth Massacre victims. It turned out some mysterious figures paid her a "visit" in return with "unexpected concern". She couldn't help but worrying: Is the creative freedom deprived even in Hong Kong? Witnessing the escalating brutality against protestors, the eagerness of enacting Basic Law Article 23, how much longer can a play like "May 35th" be staged in Hong Kong? Worse still are the tremendous fake news on the Internet and the tampering with history. Can you imagine how "June Fourth Incident" and "Anti-Extradition Bill Protest" will be interpreted in the near future? We have no clue, but! As long as we have this opportunity to express, we will go on. Even when the protest across the city was still intense, Stage 64 started to plan for another "May 35th" , the Gengzi Edition. In the Lunar calender, 2020 is called the year of the Gengzi. Historically speaking, the year of the Gengzi were always catastrophic. After months of social unrest, Stage 64 invited prominent director Chan Chu-hei, to re-create "May 35th" into Gengzi Edition with new cast and crew. Then comes the Coronavirus pandemic and the compulsory closure of theatres by the Government. That left us no choice but to cancel the "May 35th" performance, which was originally scheduled to stage at Arts Centre in May. But what if we adhere to our beliefs? Here comes the bold decision--to live stream this astonishing show, globally and for free on the night before June 4th, 2020 (Presented in Cantonese, with Chinese and English subtitles). The live version will then be shared online throughout the day on June 4th. What’s more? The performance will be filmed separately and released in cinemas. Let the truth speak for itself, justice be sought after. Production Team: Playwright：Candace Chong Mui Ngam Director：Chan Chu Hei Actor：Kiu Po-chung、Patra Au Ka-man、Lai Chai-ming、Kwok Siu-kit Live Musican：Celloman Set & Costume Designer: Yoki Lai Miu-Chi Lighting Designer：Gabriel Fung kwok-kei Sound Designer：Chan Wai-fat Producer：Lit Ming-wai、Cheung Ka-wang、Gladys Wong Yee-mun Production Manager：Lau Hon-wah