Photos
About the event
Tri Ka Tsai – A uniquely trilingual Hong Kong cabaret Introduction
/traɪˈ kɑ tsɐi/ noun.
Definition: A trilingual Gen X or millennial living in post-colonial Hong Kong who speaks Cantonese, English and Putonghua (Mandarin).
In Singapore we have “Ang Moh Pai”, in Hong Kong they have “Tri Ka Tsai”!
What is the strangest English name you have ever heard? Why is a tall-sized latte not tall at all? The multitalented artists Yuri Ng, Anna Lo and Rick Lau are going to tell you the funniest part of the languages in their city.
Decades ago, English was king, and mastering the language was a ticket to success. With that goal in mind, Hong Kong groomed generations of “English speakers” who spiced up the colonial language with unique Cantonese phrases, accents and cadences. But then came the day when Hong Kongers were faced with the realisation that they had to master Putonghua (Mandarin) as well! What new flavours would be created with this new ingredient?
Proud tri ka tsais themselves, Yuri Ng, Anna Lo and Rick Lau bare their hearts and explore their cultural identities as they try to come to terms with their homeland’s bittersweet struggle with three languages and its inspired creations of Chinglish and “Cantonghua”—Hong Kong-style Mandarin. Unashamedly multilingual and multicultural, Tri Ka Tsai is a laughter-filled cabaret that is surprisingly relatable to people on the little red dot.
Come and learn Chinglish or Honglish or Cantonghua or Mantonese (whatever!) with us! Fai di come and see see lah!
Commissioned by Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts and premiered in 2019.
Creative & Production Team
Co-Creator, Composer, Text and Performer: Anna Lo
Co-Creator, Text and Performer: Rick Lau
Director, Set and Costume Designer: Yuri Ng
Text: Leon Ko, Lam Bo, Sam Lau, Anna Lo, William Ng OFM, Chris Shum, Tony Taylor, Yan Tung, Manni Weng, Margaret Yang
Musicians: Nelson Ng, Antonio Serrano Jr., Victor Tsang, Wong Tak Chung
Lighting Designer: Mak Kwok Fai
Video Designer: Leung Hang Sin
Sound Designer: Candog Ha
Costume Coordinator: Yuen Kin Man
Production and Stage Manager: Yuen Kin Man
Producer: Icy Lai
Promotion Photographer: Pazu Chan
Show Details
- Tri Ka Tsai – A uniquely trilingual Hong Kong cabaret
- Date: 27 - 28 Jan 2023
- Time: 7.30pm
- Venue: Esplanade Recital Studio
- Address: 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981
Ticketing Information
- Tickets available on Esplanade
- Price: Standard: $38 | Students, NSFs, Seniors & PWDs (Limited): $30
- Admission Age: 13 and above.
- Language: Cantonese, English and Mandarin
- Surtitle Language: Some English and Chinese Surtitles.
Information Source: Esplanade