Nick Yu, featured in his first commissioned production The Crowd at the 2015 HKAF, is also the chief producer of Shanghai’s theatre landmark, The Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre (SDAC).

In this two-part HKAF theatre forum that aims to promote dialogue between local directors, playwrights, producers and actors, Yu will discuss his dual identity – playwright and producer/administrator of SDAC. In the first part, he will share how playwrights in China may develop their careers, the importance of new writing for theatre, and insights on theme and idea development as well as getting work produced on stage, with local playwrights responding with their experiences building a stage career in Hong Kong.

In the second part of the forum, Yu will present, as producer and manager of SCAD for nearly two decades, his artistic vision and the operating model of SCAD, and how SDAC has become one of the most versatile production theatre houses in China. Balancing artistic and commercial needs, artistic programme versus funding resources, actor and crew training, and audience development are topics that he will explore with theatre practitioners and audiences from Hong Kong.

This no-holds-barred event is an essential event for anyone who wants a glimpse into the operation of a theatre.

Programme Schedule

10:15am    Registration (morning session)

10:30am    Talk: New Developments in Playwriting 

12:30pm    Break

2:00pm      Registration (afternoon session)

2:30pm      Opening remarks

2:40pm      Keynote: Balancing Artistic and Commercial Needs

3:30pm      Panel discussion

5:00pm      Q&A

5:45pm      Conclusion

In Putonghua and Cantonese

In collaboration with