The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) highlighted the story of Hong Kong migrants to the United Kingdom by supporting a new play touring the UK.  The play "Mountains: The Dreams of Lily Kwok" is based on the family memoir Sweet Mandarin by Helen Tse, co-owner of the Sweet Mandarin restaurant in Manchester.

     The play was directed by Jennifer Tang from Hong Kong, and featured a number of artists who were born in Hong Kong or have a family connection there.  It tells the story of Helen and her quest to find out the history of her family, through a dream-like connection with her grandmother Lily in Hong Kong, which reveals a past of shocking family secrets that culminate in the family moving from Hong Kong to the UK and setting up a restaurant in Manchester based on the meals Lily learned to cook on her journey to the UK – meals which the cast actually cook on stage during the performance.

     Speaking after the performance on April 20 (London time) at Stratford Circus Arts Centre, London, the Director-General of the London ETO, Ms Priscilla To, said, "The story of "Mountains" is in fact a story that also belongs to many of the Hong Kong Chinese in the UK and reflects the close relationship between Hong Kong and the UK.  In fact, food – which is the lifeline that held the three generations together in the story of "Mountains" – tells us a lot about our traditional Chinese culture, in particular the significance of family values, as well as how our society has evolved over time.   

     "We have seen tonight how Lily Kwok, her daughter and grand-daughters fought through the difficult times to pursue their dreams.  I'll go further and say that their stories remind us of the 'Hong Kong' or 'Lion Rock' spirit, meaning that we stay united in difficult times, never give up in facing challenges and work hard to achieve our life goals." 

     Mountains is a Royal Exchange Theatre, Yellow Earth Theatre and Black Theatre Live co-production.  When it finishes in London on April 21 (London time), Mountains will continue its tour of the UK until June 2. Visit www.yellowearth.org/mountains-dreams-lily-kwok for more information. 

Ends/Monday, April 23, 2018
Issued at HKT 21:52

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