Play-Reading Marathon 2020: The 8th Day

A play written by Taiwanese playwright Chien Li-Ying in 2010 and commissioned by Taiwan's Representation Theatre in collaboration with the HIMA Foundation. Starting from an environmental theme, the play explores what the Earth has become since humans took over on the “eighth day”, following the biblical account where the Creator finished making the world in seven days.

The story portrays a Mexican farmer's family who embark on a fateful journey driven by unemployment caused by the North American Free Trade Agreement's allowance of cheap U.S. corn dumping into Mexico. The play interweaves absurd and realistic scenes, infusing vivid colors and satirical critiques to piece together a depiction of globalisation's exploitation of third-world countries, prompting reflection on global food issues and migrant labour.

Date: 20/5/2020

Online programme

Playwright: Chien Liying (Taiwan)

Director: Chan Kwun-fee