This is a conversation bridging the past and the future. It has been seven years since Edward Lam last participated in Esplanade’s Huayi – Chinese Festival of the Arts with Why We Chat. For the world, these seven years have been indescribably transformative. In ninety minutes, Lam will piece together fragments of the past seven years to create a bigger picture. What roles do you and I play in these stories? How does this encounter differ from his previous visits with a theatrical production? Have these seven years shaped a different Edward Lam? Lam eagerly awaits this answer. What title best encapsulates this reunion? Only one fits: long time no see.
This talk is part of the Huayi Dialogues series, curated and hosted by Singaporean artist Liu Xiaoyi.
About Huayi Dialogues
The Huayi Dialogues is a groundbreaking initiative by Huayi Festival, curated by Singapore theatre artist Liu Xiaoyi. This platform brings together artists, cultural practitioners, and audiences through a rich tapestry of lectures, panels and discussion.
A festival should be more than just a stage for performances—it should also be a bridge for dialogue, fertile ground for collaboration, and an engine for growth. The Huayi Dialogues strives to provide a dynamic platform for lasting and meaningful exchanges, serving as a catalyst for new ideas and partnerships in the cultural ecosystem.
The inaugural Huayi Dialogues will be held during Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts 2025, featuring three master lectures and a thought-provoking panel discussion. Experience the wisdom and creativity of Fang Xu (Beijing), Wu Nien-jen (Taipei), and Edward Lam (Hong Kong), three luminaries of Chinese theatre. They will each share personal insights drawn from their illustrious careers, exploring themes rooted in their respective cultural contexts. From Beijing’s humanistic narratives to Taipei’s interdisciplinary artistry and Hong Kong’s experimental and international perspectives, these lectures will illuminate the diversity of artistic creation across different cultural landscapes. Be inspired by their experiences and reflections, and discover new pathways for creativity and connection.
Whether you are a practitioner of the arts or an audience member brimming with curiosity, the Huayi Dialogues promises to offer you an inspiring and enlightening experience.