Eileen Chang Ai-ling, who died 10 years ago at the age of 74, is often described as the Chinese Jane Austen because of her charismatic wit and unique insight.
Her works have been interpreted on screen and stage. In the latest adaptation, the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre presents a star-studded presentation of Chang¡¦s masterpiece, Love in a Fallen City.
The novel has been adapted by the Rep¡¦s artistic director Fredric Mao Chun-fai, Chan Koon-chung and Nick Yu, a sought-after playwright in Shanghai. The trio have interpreted the classic romance through a blend of literature, music and dance.
Set in 1940s Shanghai and Hong Kong, the story revolves around confirmed bachelor Fan Liuyuan and divorcee Bai Liusu, who are torn between tradition and modernism.
Fan returns to war-torn China after studying abroad. He falls in love with Bai, who is from a traditional Chinese family. However, their love is like a tug-of-war, with both trying to win the other side over.
Film star Tony Leung Ka-fai and veteran TV and stage actress Louisa So Yuk-wa play Fan and Bai.
¡§The love story is well known. But most people simply see it as a romantic story,¡¨ director Mao said.
¡§While many people look to the past, I want to look ahead ¡V to interpret the story from a contemporary point of view,¡¨ he added.
Alice Lau Nga-lai will play the singer, who functions as a narrator commenting on the love story as an outsider.
Eileen Chang has a huge following among the Chinese, who respect the high literary value and contemporary relevance of her work, Love in a Fallen City is seen as still relevant to today¡¦s Hong Kong, a cosmopolitan city where east meets west.
Fan is a westernized young man who finds it difficult to fit in with traditional Chinese society. Bai, on the other hand, is a typical representative of that but longs deep down to break free from the bonds of tradition.
This is the second time Leung has collaborated with Fredric Mao ¡V the two worked on the play, Red Boat ¡V and he relishes the opportunity. ¡§It¡¦s a lot of pressure working with so many stage professionals,¡¨ said the award-winning actor.
He added that he was looking forward to the challenge of dancing the tango and waltz with Louisa So ¡§since I¡¦ve never learnt to dance¡¨.
Actress So will also get to wear elegant cheongsams designed by John Chan. The collection of dresses include modern details, while different colour tones are used to represent the different moods of the characters.
Love in a Fallen City 2005, performed in Cantonese with Chinese and English subtitles, opens tomorrow at the Drama Theatre of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.
It runs until September 12, with daily performance at 7.45pm and matinee performances at 2.45pm on August 28, September 4, and September 11.
Ticket prices range from $120 to $300 ¡V with half price for students ¡V and are available through HK Ticketing on 31 288 288 and Urbtix on 2734 9009.