Bulletin No. 2, 2013

50th Anniversary Drama The Professor 37  Kong Drama Awards; and directed by Octavian Chan , winner of the Award for Young Artist of the Hong Kong Arts Development Awards. The story was about a philosophy freshman who asked a professor for a higher grade which led to a heated debate on whether education can change society or whether it’s all just hot air. The show also explored issues faced by universities such as globalization, professionalization and commodification. Candace pondered what moved her most about her alma mater upon receiving the commission to write a play related to the golden jubilee. She heard a lot of inspiring stories when she did research and found that most of the alumni took pride in the University’s deep concern for society. This idea was included in the play though not through a direct transplantation of real cases. Candace made it clear that she did not want to produce something for a niche audience. She hoped to tell a ‘story of universality on a CUHK platform’ which not only the CUHK community but everyone would understand. Octavian felt the power of the CUHK legac y during his undergraduate days at CUHK. ‘We are here at CUHK because of the selfless work of our predecessors. Can the Universit y uphold it s founding vision in this ever-changing world, or has it shifted from it? Have there been struggles? The script touched upon these issues.’ Through the use of images, rhythm and other theatrical techniques, Octavian succeeded in transforming what moved him about the script into drama, enabling the audience to understand the world of the playwright. I n celebration of the 50th Anniversar y of CUHK, a production created and directed by two CUHK alumni, The Professor , was staged from 1 September. They played to a full house of audience in all 11 shows. Over 400 viewers including alumni and university officers attended the exclusive premiere on 31 August. Produced by the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, the play was written by Candace Chong , four- time winner of the Best Script Award by the Hong