Through the use of multimedia mediums of digital illustrations, music, and poetry, Vincy Chan’s latest piece is an experimental exploration of a fictional story, based on a retrofuturist Hong Kong sociopolitical context with the main protagonist named Sai Biu. 

The story follows the sudden passing of Biu’s father, of which they become the unwanted heir of Hong Kong’s largest mafia. Woven into the story are themes of a gender identity crisis, grief, and nostalgic moments. 

Chan makes it clear throughout the show that this piece of work is a showcase of some of their creative abilities, and the audience most certainly sees this transpire. 

With narration and music both in Cantonese and English, we’re taken on an intercultural journey which portrays some of Chan’s experiences of being a recent migrant to Australia, whilst also navigating being a gender-diverse person from a relatively conservative culture. 

Both traditional and contemporary cultural elements feature throughout the performance, especially in regards to their approach in grieving those who have passed. 

We experience a slam-poetry style segment about the tension and angst when going against traditional norms, two piano musical pieces which showcase Chan’s heartful vocal abilities, and a xylophone internude which seems to act as a reflective and contemplative moment. 

Chan’s digital illustrations which depict the retrofuturist context of Hong Kong align with the sociopolitical context to date, and appear to convey how they envision their connection to their motherland in the present, but also the near future.

Acknowledging that this is an experimental work in progress, Chan’s storytelling abilities to convey the intersection of their culture and gender identity are deeply nuanced and critical, and paired with their versatile creative abilities makes for some thoughtful and empathetic rhetoric.

As Chan continues to learn more about themselves, this piece of work will continue to be refined for a more structured show. Nevertheless, you’ll get to experience their different creative mediums over a short period of time within Still 默默.