What is your name? Hymns (Tsz Him) Chu
What is your role in the show? I’m part of the ensemble and also play the role of the Lion Dancer. Sometimes, I’m fully immersed in the vibrant, dynamic movement of the Lion Dance, which requires a lot of physical energy and coordination. Other times, I take on the role of an FBI agent, bringing a completely different energy to the stage.
Why should audiences come to see King of the Yees? King of the Yees is not just a heartfelt and engaging exploration of identity & family experience, and what it means to be part of the Chinese-Canadian community. The play delves into the unique challenges and joys of maintaining cultural traditions in a modern, North American setting, something many in the Chinese diaspora can relate to.
As my first theatre performance in this vibrant city, I’m especially excited to bring this story to life for the Edmonton audience. With its rich cultural elements like the Lion Dance and its humor and emotion, King of the Yees offers a fresh perspective on the connections between past and present, tradition and innovation. It’s a celebration of family and community that will resonate with everyone, whether you share this cultural heritage or simply love a great story.
What would you say would be a highlight of working on King of the Yees so far? A highlight of working on King of the Yees so far has definitely been the Lion Dance. It’s such a dynamic and visually stunning part of the play, but it also requires an incredible amount of practice and physical coordination. For someone like me, who doesn’t naturally have great body coordination, it was a real challenge to adapt to the movements and perform them convincingly on stage. It took time, patience, and a lot of repetition, but seeing it come together as part of the performance was truly rewarding. It’s been an amazing experience to immerse myself in this traditional art form and bring it to life for the audience.
Many characters in King of the Yees struggle with different elements of their identity. What is an element of your identity that you discovered, rediscovered, or started to appreciate as you got older? As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate the creative growth within myself, much like Lauren in King of the Yees. Her courage to chase her dreams, craft a story, and share it with the world is incredibly inspiring. It reminds me to value my own journey of expression and to embrace the creative sparks that shape who I am.
Lauren’s effort to preserve her cultural heritage, even as she prepares to marry into a different culture in Germany, also resonates with me. It highlights the importance of honoring traditions while forging a path of your own into different countries. This balance between staying rooted in one’s culture and evolving with new experiences is something I deeply relate to as I continue to discover who I am.
What was the best birthday party you attended? My 30th birthday was the best birthday party I’ve ever attended! It was my first Canadian birthday, which made it extra special. The Pastors at a local Chinese church invited me out for yum cha, a traditional Chinese meal that I love. Sharing this milestone with such warm and welcoming people made me feel at home, even though I was in a new country. The mix of delicious food and heartfelt company was the perfect way to celebrate this big day.
