Being Here & There - ACE403.2

Caption: "In early 1989, Mu-Lan Theatre Company performed Sale of the Century, a play about the return of Hong Kong to Chinese Rule in 1997. In June 1989, the Democracy Movement was crushed in Tiananmen Square…." Extract from play: Prisoner Liu Lien is berated by a guard because she doesn’t speak the right Chinese and has a British passport. She says that, though she has a British passport, she is "the alien at the door". Caption: "In the turmoil of the Democracy Movement the Political Prisoner highlights deep divisions between migrant & native Chinese. Questions about identity and loyalty to Race and Country come to the fore… These issues are explored dramatically in the play Sale of the Century…. " Extract from play: Liu Lien and Milee discussing what Hong Kong will be like once it becomes Chinese. One is optimistic about living under Communist rule, the other is not so sure. HONG KONG. People (including actors) commenting on the changeover. One says the people of Hong Kong should decide what they want their future to be. Another argues that changes in Hong Kong will come from China. One says that Hong Kong people didn’t elect the Chinese government. Caption: "‘Let a hundred flowers bloom and a hundred schools of thought contend…’ Mao Tse Tung,1957." DEMOCRACY
Extract from play: Milee talking to Paul about Liu Lien. Comments on democracy, denied by the British to the Hong Kong Chinese, about Britain not caring about former colonies, and ask if it is morally correct for Hong Kong to be returned to China. Extract from play: Milee and Paul talking about reasons for staying in or leaving Hong Kong – Milee is staying because of Liu Lien.