Never too late to shine

As of 2024, Hong Kong people have the world's longest life expectancy. Here women live until 88 and men until 82 on average, according to a recent Worldometer report. While the local government has introduced a number of programs to ensure the better health and general well-being of senior citizens, a new festival aimed at nurturing their creative sides is all set to launch later this month.

Kicking off on Sept 25 at the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre in Shek Kip Mei, the inaugural Hong Kong Creative Aging Arts Festival provides the city's elderly with a platform to showcase their artistic talents as well as share their stories and achievements. More than 100 artists in the age range of 55 to 86 will take part in over 30 shows, including performances and art exhibitions. The festival is sponsored by the real estate investment firm Link REIT and organized by Arts' Options, a nonprofit enterprise with a mission to make art a part of people's everyday lives.

"We believe that the older generation should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and passions after retirement," says Rebecca Po, executive director and co-founder of Arts' Options.

According to the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, by 2046, 1 in every 3 Hong Kong residents will be above 65. "With older individuals making up nearly one-third of Hong Kong's population, it's essential to include their perspectives in our cultural narrative," Po says.

All the world's a stage

Highlights from the festival's theater program include King Li: The Final Escape, directed by Brenda Chan Kwai-fun, who is also a co-founder and the artistic director of Arts' Options. King Li tells the story of a rich man with considerable influence in the business world. When both his health and wealth start declining, Li is shunned by old friends as a result. Written by Ada Chan Lai-fun, the play is inspired by Shakespeare's four great tragedies, most notably King Lear.

Also worth watching out for is Whispers of Life, a realistic portrayal of the everyday lives of Hong Kong's elderly people. The production is directed by Alan Lyddiard, founder and artistic director of Performance Ensemble, a Leeds-based theater company where all actors are 55 and above. "My belief is that everybody is creative and has a story to tell," says Lyddiard. "Older people sometimes feel past their usefulness, but I believe that they have a lot to contribute to society owing to their lived experience."

Po reveals that the Whispers of Life actors underwent more than 500 hours of training. Tam Chi-keung is one among the group that "dedicated their time to rehearsals from 11 am to 4 pm, five days a week". The 69-year-old made his foray into acting only in 2021. "Performing at the festival allows me to apply what I've learned over the last three years, such as how to bring stories to life, connect with the audience and create a shared emotional experience," Tam says. "The festival gives me the opportunity to make a positive impact and, most importantly, to enjoy performing on stage. This experience is a key part of my journey toward self-actualization."

In Whispers of Life, Tam plays an elderly man with dementia. To prepare for the role, he spent time observing people suffering from the condition and worked hard at trying to express their anguish on stage. For months together, Tam practiced his lines every day, even during his morning run, and daily commute on the MTR as well as while showering. He believes his skills in the various departments of stage performance, such as singing, voice modulation, posture and coordination with fellow actors have improved considerably "after more than 100 hours of rehearsals with the team and many more hours spent practicing on my own".

Cheng Suk-kuen, 65, will share the stage with Tam as well as showcase her calligraphy works at the Forever Blissful Days with Arts exhibition, curated by Evelyna Liang. "I've transitioned from someone used to being entertained to an entertainer," she says. "I want to show others that we can continue to grow and shine even as we age!" Cheng adds that she owes a lot to the festival. Not only has it given her an opportunity to learn new skills, but attending rehearsals has also helped expand her social network, which is particularly useful in one's twilight years.

Thanks to the festival, nowadays Cheng is open to experimenting with her painting style. "I veered away from my usual practice and added some elements of painting to my calligraphy works especially for the exhibition," she says. "Having to practice all these different skills at the same time and being able to strike a balance allow me to extend my limits."

Forever Blissful Days with Arts features works by a dozen remarkable artists. They include 71-year-old Chan Cheong-yip, who makes art from scrap, hoping to draw attention to the plight of the homeless. Then there is 68-year-old Kwong Mei-ling. Her forte is knitting and eco-printing - a dyeing technique that involves the transfer of organic patterns and color on the surface of leaves and flowers onto paper and fabric. The show also features Yau Sik-kam, an 80-something tailor who picked up his craft from online tutorials quite recently and has since turned into a prolific painter; and Wu Yin-ching who took up painting with watercolors and writing poems after retiring from her job as a university professor.

The festival is also offering a diverse music program, featuring artists who are 65 and above. They include the a cappella show Golden Tunes under the Banyan Tree, 1011 Music Party, presented by Band 1011 and an orchestra concert Endless Sunsets Red Again. Contemporary dance company Unlock Dancing Plaza will present One, Two ... and a Half, choreographed by Andy Li and Wong Wing-luk. The piece incorporates elements of children's games into the dance movements that the participants, many of whom have not danced on stage before, are having much fun rehearsing.

Age no bar

The festival being the first of its kind in Hong Kong, the organizers are keen to put the word out in the public domain. "My primary aspiration for the festival is to gain the attention of the general public, as their support will be vital for our future endeavors," says Brenda Chan. "We recognize that this year is going to be a learning experience. We will carefully assess what works well and what can be improved.

"Our shared vision allows us to attract artists of all ages, including professional performers, fostering an environment where talent and dedication are celebrated," she adds.

Although the festival is about recognizing creative talents in older performers, younger people are welcome to join the workshops, attend exhibitions and enjoy the shows. "They could serve as excellent advocates, encouraging their parents or grandparents to dive into the arts," Po says. "After all, who better to inspire the older generation than their own enthusiastic offspring?"

A second edition of the festival in 2026 is already in the works. Po says that though they operate on a tight budget, Arts' Options will continue to offer the 500-hour professional training in drama to elderly participants. Some of the program's alumni receive further training to become drama instructors. "This initiative enables them to teach theater games at the community level, allowing more individuals to experience the joy and positive impact that drama can bring to their lives. Such experiences are vital to one's artistic and emotional well-being," Po says.

Lyddiard points out that society in general stands to gain from "teaching and encouraging older people to give expression to their inherent creativity". Such endeavors can "change our lives for the better in small ways and also in ways that cannot always be understood immediately", he says.