Anthony Wong Chau-sang, the renowned Hong Kong actor and co-founder of Dionysus Contemporary Theatre, is preparing to commemorate the theater company’s 10th anniversary with a production of “Enigma Variations.” Wong expresses his desire to do justice to the play, emphasizing its exploration of love, death, and secrets through the dialogue between a Nobel Prize-winning author and a journalist assigned to interview him. Reflecting on his previous involvement in the play, Wong acknowledges that he now appreciates its intricacies and believes that life experiences have deepened his understanding of the script.
Describing his character as an unlikable but intriguing individual, Wong draws parallels between himself and the role, highlighting his affinity for playing complex, cheeky, and unconventional characters. Despite his success in the film industry, Wong’s true passion lies in theater. In 2013, he co-founded Dionysus Contemporary Theatre with Olivia Yan Wing-pui and Joyce Cheung Pui-wah, fellow alumni of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Wong admits that establishing the company was impulsive and challenging, but their perseverance has allowed it to thrive for a decade.
Wong confesses that during the Covid-19 pandemic, he contemplated closing down the theater company. However, his determination prevailed, leading to the upcoming Cantonese adaptation of “Enigma Variations,” which he believes will finally do justice to the play. Wong, who serves as both an actor and the artistic director of the company, expresses excitement about revisiting the play and mentions the revisions made to the Cantonese translation to enhance its authenticity.
In this rendition of “Enigma Variations,” Wong’s character draws inspiration from a past correspondence with a distant lover, and a journalist, portrayed by emerging actor Neo Yau Hawk-sau, attempts to uncover the identity of the mysterious woman, leading to a series of mind games and revelations of dark secrets. Wong acknowledges the complexity of putting on the play and the importance of not relying solely on memory, sharing his skeptical views on the concept of long-lasting passionate love.
Regarding his rumored plans to move to Taiwan, Wong clarifies that he has not left Hong Kong and dismisses speculations about his relocation. He explains that people come and go, and as long as there are inhabitants, life continues. Despite being blacklisted due to his support for the pro-democracy sit-ins and criticism of China’s Communist Party, Wong remains resilient. He believes that worrying about censorship is futile and that it is more accurate to say he has not given up on humanity, expressing hope for a better future despite the challenges faced globally.
“Enigma Variations” will be staged at the Lyric Theatre of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, with performances scheduled from September 1 to 22. Through this production, Wong aims to celebrate the theater company’s milestone while delivering a compelling and authentic rendition of the play.
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