A dramatic key visual for the contemporary Hong Kong theatre production 'Songs of Innocence and Experience' by Rooftop Productions. The image features a close-up, moody portrait of actor Caroline Chan, whose face is partially obscured by her arm. Her dark, textured hair is highlighted with striking streaks of neon green and purple, set against a deep violet, ethereal background with abstract, cloudy light forms. The lighting casts a cinematic, high-contrast glow on her face, emphasizing a sharp, intense gaze. 'Songs of Innocence and Experience' Key Visual.
Promotional poster for the contemporary Hong Kong theatre production 'Songs of Innocence and Experience' presented by The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. The visual features an intense close-up of an actor, Caroline Chan, with shadowed, moody lighting in hues of deep purple and warm skin tones, highlighting an emotional, piercing gaze. The bold, vertical gold typography of the Chinese title '天真與世故之歌' dominates the right side of the poster, which examines the loss of innocence in modern society. 'In a world losing its innocence, what does it mean to grow up?'
Rooftop Productions
Music Theatre

Songs of Innocence and Experience (HKAPA)

In a world losing its innocence, what does it mean to grow up?

20–24 Jun 2022

Hong Kong APA Studio Theatre

1 hour 45 minutes

University students are caught between innocence and experience; between respecting conventions and rejecting the old in favour of the new.

Songs of Innocence and Experience was created by this group of young people, reflecting on their personal experiences growing up. Their intertextual work exists in relation to John Milton’s Paradise Lost; much in the same way as William Blake’s collection of illustrated poetry, Songs of Innocence and of Experience.

John Milton wrote Paradise Lost after the English Civil War, describing how a group of fallen angels lost the war in heaven, and mankind fell by eating the forbidden fruit of knowledge. This great and controversial work inspired countless later works. Can Milton’s story, along with our own experiences and reflections on growing up, help us to find a way to face ourselves, the present, and the future?

Cast

In a captivating scene from Rooftop Productions' contemporary HK theatre show, Songs of Innocence and Experience, actor Lo Man-chak, portraying 'Himself / God,' grins playfully at the audience, winking. He wears a majestic golden sunburst crown and a white theatrical costume. With his left hand, he holds up a muscular action figure, similarly adorned with a halo, while his right hand is raised behind it in a gesturing pose. The dramatic stage lighting emphasizes his joyful expression and the intricate details of the props against a dark, softly projected background that mirrors the halo motif, encapsulating the vibrant energy of this unique stage performance. Today, I’m going to introduce my newest creation - my son!

Lo Man-chak

Himself / God

A dramatic close-up on Caroline Chan as Herself/Satan (Lucifer) during a performance of Rooftop Productions' "Songs of Innocence and Experience." Lit from below and the front, she wears a white, military-style jacket with ornate gold buttons and braiding. Her face, partially shadowed, shows wide, questioning eyes and a slightly open mouth, conveying deep confusion or existential wonder. The intense stage lighting creates a high-contrast portrait against a black background, highlighting the emotion in this contemporary HK theatre stage performance. God, I don’t understand. Why was I created?

Caroline Chan

Herself/Satan (Lucifer)

In a dramatic scene from Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece 'Songs of Innocence and Experience', actor Mak Ho-tin kneels on a dimly lit stage, his arms outstretched in a mirror image of the large, expressive William Blake illustration projected behind him. The atmospheric lighting emphasizes his emotive performance as he embodies Milton, declaring, 'History will remember me as a loser.'

Mak Ho-tin

Himself / Milton / Beelzebub

A performer, Lee On-sang, stands center stage with back turned to the audience, wearing a white flowing robe and an elaborate, sunburst-style golden headpiece. Her arms are outstretched in a dramatic, celestial pose, silhouetted against a massive, vibrant projection of her own face, lit in deep reds and oranges. This striking moment from the contemporary Hong Kong theatre production, 'Songs of Innocence and Experience' by Rooftop Productions, captures a powerful scene as Lee On-sang (as herself/Moloch) utters: 'Time to say goodbye.'

Lee On-sang

Herself / Moloch

In a dramatic stage shot from Rooftop Productions’ contemporary theatre piece 'Songs of Innocence and Experience', Chew Yu-yeung, playing the role of Mammon, stands in a vibrant pool of blue light, addressing the audience. He is surrounded by an ensemble cast on stage, obscured in the shadows and illuminated by bright red spotlights and glowing light sticks, creating an intense, hellish atmosphere typical of the company's experimental performance style. As he commands the stage, he delivers the chilling line: "Welcome to hell!"

Chew Yu-yeung

Himself / Mammon

Sum Cheuk-yiu, performing live in the contemporary Hong Kong theatre production 'Songs of Innocence and Experience', sings expressively into a microphone while playing an electronic keyboard. She is brightly lit on a dark stage, against a large teal-blue screen projecting dramatic silhouettes of figures interacting, one pointing an accusatory finger. In the shadowy background, a musician plays an electric guitar, adding to the multimedia stage performance. 'Your daughter has grown up.'

Sum Cheuk-yiu

Herself / Abdiel

On a dimly lit stage for Rooftop Productions' *Songs of Innocence and Experience*, actor Mok Kok-pong (as Michael) stands center-right, wearing a dark green t-shirt with white trim, his right hand raised with an open palm towards the left. He has a serious expression and a short beard, with a discreet microphone headset. In the background on the left, actor Chew Yu-yeung (as Mammon) in a green long-sleeve shirt and khaki pants holds a folded white garment, looking intently upwards and right. Behind them, a large screen projects a striking image of a rocky, yellowish-brown landscape under a blue sky, with the text 'FOR THE LIBERTY OF UNLICENC'D PRINTING' visible at the top, setting a dramatic mood for this contemporary HK theatre performance. I don't know about Rebellion...

Mok Kok-pong

Himself / Michael

Performer Sin Lok-yan sits center stage in a contemplative pose during a performance of Rooftop Productions' contemporary HK theatre piece, Songs of Innocence and Experience. Backlit by a vibrant, abstract stained-glass style projection featuring geometric green and blue shapes, Sin exudes a poignant vulnerability. As Eve, she reflects on the theme of departure and return: "If I leave, will I still be able to come back?"

Sin Lok-yan

Herself / Eve / Angel

In a striking scene from Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece 'Songs of Innocence and Experience', a performer lies flat on the stage floor, his body illuminated by a large cross-shaped spotlight. Behind him, a projection shows an identical image of the performer in the same pose, suspended in mid-air against a backdrop of silhouettes. The stark lighting and minimalist staging evoke themes of sacrifice and identity common in Hong Kong stage performances. Cheung Cheuk-hang, portraying the Angel, delivers the line: 'But I’m not Jesus, I don’t have any great ability.'

Cheung Cheuk-hang

Himself / Angel

Three performers—Lee On-sang, Sum Cheuk-yiu, and Lau Ka-ying—share a lighthearted moment during a rehearsal for the Rooftop Productions contemporary theatre piece, 'Songs of Innocence and Experience'. Sum Cheuk-yiu (playing Abdiel) points playfully while laughing, flanked by Lee On-sang (playing Moloch) and Lau Ka-ying (playing Belial), who expresses heartfelt joy with her hands over her chest. The scene captures the collaborative spirit of HK stage performance. Songs of Innocence and Experience Rehearsal.

Lau Ka-ying

Herself / Belial

In a moody, red-lit stage production of Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece 'Songs of Innocence and Experience', Sin Lok-yan stands in silhouette playing the flute, while band leader Wu Lui-fung plays bass guitar in the background. This atmospheric performance captures the intensity of Hong Kong live stage art. As Sin Lok-yan delivers a poignant moment of the show, she sings, "No money no use, no money no dream."

Wu Lui-fung

Band Leader / Guitar/ Bass / Sheng / Chinese flute

In a dramatic scene from Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre performance, 'Songs of Innocence and Experience,' Sung Kwok-tung is seen focused on playing electronic drums and a large gong under moody, deep red stage lighting, while Chin Wing-kar plays an electric guitar in the background. This atmospheric production explores complex themes of musical storytelling in Hong Kong theatre. As the tension mounts, a performer sings, "Don't cry out loud."

Chin Wing-kar

Guzheng / Guitar / Bass / Cello / Ukulele / Keys / Tubular Bells

In a rehearsal for Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece 'Songs of Innocence and Experience', band leader Wu Lui-fung stands left, focused on playing his black bass guitar. To the right, Tsang Yuen-lam Ivy plays a keyboard, her expression intent and concentrated. In the background, another performer works with a synthesizer in a dimly lit studio featuring dark stage curtains. This image captures the artistic rigor behind the scenes of a Hong Kong stage performance: 'Songs of Innocence and Experience Rehearsal.'

Tsang Yuen-lam Ivy

Keys / Tubular Bells / Cello / Bass

In a dramatic scene from Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre performance, 'Songs of Innocence and Experience,' Sung Kwok-tung is seen focused on playing electronic drums and a large gong under moody, deep red stage lighting, while Chin Wing-kar plays an electric guitar in the background. This atmospheric production explores complex themes of musical storytelling in Hong Kong theatre. As the tension mounts, a performer sings, "Don't cry out loud."

Sung Kwok-tung

Drums / Gong

Creative and Production Team

Directors

Michelle Li,
Ivor Houlker

Producer

Michelle Li

Choreographer

Lee On-sang

Collaborating Actors

Lo Man-chak‡,
Caroline Chan*,
Mak Ho-tin‡,
Lee On-sang‡,
Chew Yu-yeung,
Sum Cheuk-yiu§,
Mok Kok-pong*,
Sin Lok-yan§,
Cheung Cheuk-hang§,
Lau Ka-ying#,
Chin Wing-kar,
Wu Lui-fung

Lighting Designer

Bills Tin

Musician

Wu Lui-fung**,
Chin Wing-kar**,
Tsang Yuen-lam Ivy**,
Sung Kwok-tung**

Sound Designer

Allison Fong Tsz-ching

Set and Costume Designer

Tracy Giu Yuen-man

Video Designer

Fong Hiu-tan

Associate Set Designer

Dominic Yau Man-tat

Graphic Designer

Alfie Leung

Promotion Photographer

Ivor Houlker

Choral Practice Leaders

Sum Cheuk-yiu,
Cheung Cheuk-hang

Production Manager

Dickson Chiang Tak-chun
  • *Year 3
  • ‡Final Year
  • §Year 3
  • Final Year
  • #Year 2
  • **Year 1

Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Awards & Recognition

Awards and recognition for shows or achievemenets

Nominated for

Scenography of the Year

IATC (HK) Critics Awards 2022

Nominated for

Director of the Year

IATC (HK) Critics Awards 2022

Nominated for

Best Scenography

14th Hong Kong Theatre Libre (2022-2023)

What Critics Say

Quotes from reviews and articles about us and our shows

Directors' Notes

First of all, we would like to thank the Drama School for their trust, especially Mr. Roy Szeto and Mr. Terrence Cheng, for inviting Rooftop Productions to devise a new piece with their students. We felt trusted, even when we had only the most minimal concept of what the show would be. Roy said “Due to the pandemic, these students will only be involved in one performance this year; I hope that you can make arrangements for the whole rehearsal process so that their time will be well-spent.”

Devising usually begins with a stimulus, and we proposed Paradise Lost, while other works such as Catcher in the Rye, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Tristram Shandy were references for the style of personal stories, while Bo Burnham’s recent Inside was a reference for original songwriting. Paradise Lost became the main focus, and further research added more influence from Milton’s life and other works. The reading list alone probably sounds like enough material for a year, but the vast majority of our time together was spent creating.

It’s important for us that everyone on the team has authorial involvement, and a sense of ownership of the content. Different people write or propose ideas for scenes or songs based on different stimuli, test approaches in rehearsal, experiment, write and rewrite. We create a large number of different fragments like this, and constantly rearrange their structure based on themes, arcs and interesting juxtapositions. Much of the material is discarded as we narrow down on what is necessary, and new fragments are added in order to create meaning, or join disconnected ideas.The process is much more like editing a documentary than writing a script.

The idea of the ’edit’ is present not just as an organising principle of the performance, but as a scenographic device. The use of cameras and cuts between them explicitly borrows the language of Eisenstein’s montage. The performance creates meaning in the joining of different fragments, both in time, and in space. Perhaps this reflects the “multiplicity and contrariety of the world in which we live,” but someone already said that about Josef Svoboda’s projections in the ‘60s, so hopefully we’re not too far behind.

The interaction between different design elements is a central part of the show’s emphasis on multiplicity and collage. Objects have to interact with cameras, which interact with lighting, which interacts with sound, forcing traditionally separate departments to work together very precisely to achieve the necessary effect. Thanks to the students from the TEA school, and the staff from the production office for their passionate pursuit of these ideas, facilitating communication and working in multidisciplinary ways to push the boundaries of what can be done.

From our first meeting with the team for this production, we knew we wanted to use their talent for music as a major element in the show. We were also very grateful to have a gifted group of first years assigned to us who were willing to spend a lot of time learning to be in a band, instead of ‘acting.’ It’s important to us that all the elements of theatre are live and present in the space (back to Svoboda, who complained of too many prerecorded elements ‘enslaving’ the performer, losing “that which is beautiful about theatre.”) The music is a combination of both original pieces written by the team, and references that the audience may recognise. It can be a vehicle for a story, an intertextual reference to shared culture or experiences, or a Greek chorus obliquely commenting on the action.

The interplay between the epic and the everyday is an essential element when working from a text like Paradise Lost, humanising gods and elevating the mundane. Ultimately, we want to tell our own stories: stories that only we can tell, which reflect the place and times we are living through. The epic is a vehicle, rather than a museum piece, and so the author has to die and let us get on with it. This is a generation living through significant historical events; the art we make should reflect our time.

We are delighted to have met these fifteen students from the School of Drama during a low time for the whole performing arts industry. Your sincerity, courage, talent, determination and hope for the future have been constantly touching. Thank you for not giving up when you are lost, for persisting in finding your own value, and the value of the performance, after you wipe away your tears. Thank you for your trust in us. The world might not become better in an instant, but we hope that over the last nine months, we have seized our fate and spent our time well.

Michelle Li, Ivor Houlker

About the Artists

Learn more about everyone involved in the production

A professional headshot of performer Michelle Li (李婉晶) for Rooftop Productions (天台製作). The portrait features a close-up against a dark, moody studio background, highlighting her focused expression. Her hair is pulled back in a neat bun, emphasizing a clean, contemporary aesthetic common in Hong Kong theatre and stage performance. A headshot.

Michelle Li

Michelle Li Yuen Jing is the founder and co-artistic director of Rooftop Productions, and the recipient of the Award for Young Artist (Drama) at the 16th Hong Kong Arts Development Awards. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Performance Creation from Goldsmiths, University of London, and holds a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in English Studies from the University of Hong Kong.

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Director
Producer
A professional headshot of actor and director Ivor Houlker for Rooftop Productions. He is captured in a front-facing, medium close-up against a dark, moody studio backdrop. Ivor has curly, dark hair and a neutral, thoughtful expression, his gaze directed calmly at the camera. The soft, professional lighting emphasizes the contours of his face, consistent with the high-quality portraiture used by contemporary Hong Kong theatre practitioners. Ivor Houlker Actor's Headshot.

Ivor Houlker

Ivor Houlker is a multidisciplinary theatre artist, who works internationally as a director, actor, musician, and programmer. He specialises in hybrid forms involving technology, as well as physical theatre and site-specific performances. His work often involves live music, chorus, multimedia projection, sound installation, and audience interaction. Since 2014 his work has incorporated programming and developing original apps to support interactive work. Recent works also include original real-time online platforms and to enable new forms of live interaction. Ivor is a founder and artistic director of Rooftop Productions in Hong Kong.

Learn more

Director
Promotion Photographer
A performer, Lee On-sang, stands center stage with back turned to the audience, wearing a white flowing robe and an elaborate, sunburst-style golden headpiece. Her arms are outstretched in a dramatic, celestial pose, silhouetted against a massive, vibrant projection of her own face, lit in deep reds and oranges. This striking moment from the contemporary Hong Kong theatre production, 'Songs of Innocence and Experience' by Rooftop Productions, captures a powerful scene as Lee On-sang (as herself/Moloch) utters: 'Time to say goodbye.'

Lee On-sang

Herself / Moloch

Graduated from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts School of Drama in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Drama, majoring in Acting.

Learn more

Collaborating Actor
Choreographer
A dramatic close-up on Caroline Chan as Herself/Satan (Lucifer) during a performance of Rooftop Productions' "Songs of Innocence and Experience." Lit from below and the front, she wears a white, military-style jacket with ornate gold buttons and braiding. Her face, partially shadowed, shows wide, questioning eyes and a slightly open mouth, conveying deep confusion or existential wonder. The intense stage lighting creates a high-contrast portrait against a black background, highlighting the emotion in this contemporary HK theatre stage performance. God, I don’t understand. Why was I created?

Caroline Chan

Herself/Satan (Lucifer)

A biracial (Hong Kong, Nigerian) and trilingual (Cantonese, Mandarin, English) performing artist. Graduated from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts School of Drama in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Drama, majoring in Acting. She also holds a bachelor degree in English Language and Literature. She was invited by The Hong Kong Repertory Theatre to participate in their Reader’s Theatre program: “The Doctor”.  School performances include: “Songs of innocence and Experience”, “The imaginary Invalid” and “Moscow…Why?”.

Learn more

Collaborating Actor
In a dramatic scene from Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece 'Songs of Innocence and Experience', actor Mak Ho-tin kneels on a dimly lit stage, his arms outstretched in a mirror image of the large, expressive William Blake illustration projected behind him. The atmospheric lighting emphasizes his emotive performance as he embodies Milton, declaring, 'History will remember me as a loser.'

Mak Ho-tin

Himself / Milton / Beelzebub

Graduated from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts School of Drama in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Drama, majoring in Acting. 

Learn more

Collaborating Actor
In a dramatic scene from Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre performance, 'Songs of Innocence and Experience,' Sung Kwok-tung is seen focused on playing electronic drums and a large gong under moody, deep red stage lighting, while Chin Wing-kar plays an electric guitar in the background. This atmospheric production explores complex themes of musical storytelling in Hong Kong theatre. As the tension mounts, a performer sings, "Don't cry out loud."

Chin Wing-kar

Guzheng / Guitar / Bass / Cello / Ukulele / Keys / Tubular Bells

Karkar is a freelance actress. She graduated from the School of Journalism and Communication, CUHK in 2019. She graduated with first-class honours in 2025 from School of Drama, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, majoring in Acting. She has been awarded HKAPA Schools’ Outstanding Student Award, HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship twice, HKAPA Recruitment & Outstanding Scholarships in 4 consecutive years, and The Outstanding Actor Award with Arabian Night.

Learn more

Musician
Collaborating Actor
In a moody, red-lit stage production of Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece 'Songs of Innocence and Experience', Sin Lok-yan stands in silhouette playing the flute, while band leader Wu Lui-fung plays bass guitar in the background. This atmospheric performance captures the intensity of Hong Kong live stage art. As Sin Lok-yan delivers a poignant moment of the show, she sings, "No money no use, no money no dream."

Wu Lui-fung

Band Leader / Guitar/ Bass / Sheng / Chinese flute

Currently a Year 3 student in HKAPA School of Drama, majoring in Acting. He loves performing arts, such as singing and music. He is a quick learner as he can merely play a lot of instruments, like guitar, flute, sheng and saxophone. He participated in the school production《Songs of Innocence and Experience》 as a live band musician; He was also a movement chorus in 《Quills》by Pants Theatre Production as an internship. He has been awarded The Jacky Cheung Scholarships.

Learn more

Musician
Collaborating Actor
In a striking scene from Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece 'Songs of Innocence and Experience', a performer lies flat on the stage floor, his body illuminated by a large cross-shaped spotlight. Behind him, a projection shows an identical image of the performer in the same pose, suspended in mid-air against a backdrop of silhouettes. The stark lighting and minimalist staging evoke themes of sacrifice and identity common in Hong Kong stage performances. Cheung Cheuk-hang, portraying the Angel, delivers the line: 'But I’m not Jesus, I don’t have any great ability.'

Cheung Cheuk-hang

Himself / Angel

Currently a freelance performer, Cheung graduated from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts School of Drama in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Drama, majoring in Acting.

Learn more

Choral Practice Leader
Collaborating Actor
In a dramatic stage shot from Rooftop Productions’ contemporary theatre piece 'Songs of Innocence and Experience', Chew Yu-yeung, playing the role of Mammon, stands in a vibrant pool of blue light, addressing the audience. He is surrounded by an ensemble cast on stage, obscured in the shadows and illuminated by bright red spotlights and glowing light sticks, creating an intense, hellish atmosphere typical of the company's experimental performance style. As he commands the stage, he delivers the chilling line: "Welcome to hell!"

Chew Yu-yeung

Himself / Mammon

Graduated from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts School of Drama in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Drama, majoring in Acting. While pursuing his degree he joined several school productions and internships such as Ng Wong the Swordsman, Songs of Innocence and Experience and Pride and Prejudice by the Chung Ying Theatre Company .

Learn more

Collaborating Actor
Performer Sin Lok-yan sits center stage in a contemplative pose during a performance of Rooftop Productions' contemporary HK theatre piece, Songs of Innocence and Experience. Backlit by a vibrant, abstract stained-glass style projection featuring geometric green and blue shapes, Sin exudes a poignant vulnerability. As Eve, she reflects on the theme of departure and return: "If I leave, will I still be able to come back?"

Sin Lok-yan

Herself / Eve / Angel

Graduated from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts School of Drama in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Drama, majoring in Acting.  Being passionate about acting, singing, and drawing illustration (IG: Jomehjie). Certificated of two-year Tang Shu-Wing Physical Theatre Institute training program (PTI). Recent works include Reframetheatre “Goldfish of Berlin”(Complete version), “A Haunted VR Conference “, HKAPA “Moscow….Why?”, “The Ten Oxen of ours”, “Songs of Innocence and Experience " and “Love and Information" , TheatreFormula “The Attic”.

Learn more

Collaborating Actor
Sum Cheuk-yiu, performing live in the contemporary Hong Kong theatre production 'Songs of Innocence and Experience', sings expressively into a microphone while playing an electronic keyboard. She is brightly lit on a dark stage, against a large teal-blue screen projecting dramatic silhouettes of figures interacting, one pointing an accusatory finger. In the shadowy background, a musician plays an electric guitar, adding to the multimedia stage performance. 'Your daughter has grown up.'

Sum Cheuk-yiu

Herself / Abdiel

Now a freelance actress, Sherrain graduated from School of Drama of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in 2023, major in acting.

Learn more

Choral Practice Leader
Collaborating Actor
On a dimly lit stage for Rooftop Productions' *Songs of Innocence and Experience*, actor Mok Kok-pong (as Michael) stands center-right, wearing a dark green t-shirt with white trim, his right hand raised with an open palm towards the left. He has a serious expression and a short beard, with a discreet microphone headset. In the background on the left, actor Chew Yu-yeung (as Mammon) in a green long-sleeve shirt and khaki pants holds a folded white garment, looking intently upwards and right. Behind them, a large screen projects a striking image of a rocky, yellowish-brown landscape under a blue sky, with the text 'FOR THE LIBERTY OF UNLICENC'D PRINTING' visible at the top, setting a dramatic mood for this contemporary HK theatre performance. I don't know about Rebellion...

Mok Kok-pong

Himself / Michael

Graduated from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts School of Drama in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Drama, majoring in Acting. Michael also holds a Bachelor degree in General Business Management from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. During his studies in HKAPA, he was awarded the Hong Kong Disneyland Scholarship and the Grantham Scholarship. He has joined the drama exchange programme in Taiwan and Guangzhou as a cast of the school production The Blind. He also won the Academy’s Outstanding Actor Award for his performance in the school production tick, tick, BOOM! (Musical).

Learn more

Collaborating Actor
In a captivating scene from Rooftop Productions' contemporary HK theatre show, Songs of Innocence and Experience, actor Lo Man-chak, portraying 'Himself / God,' grins playfully at the audience, winking. He wears a majestic golden sunburst crown and a white theatrical costume. With his left hand, he holds up a muscular action figure, similarly adorned with a halo, while his right hand is raised behind it in a gesturing pose. The dramatic stage lighting emphasizes his joyful expression and the intricate details of the props against a dark, softly projected background that mirrors the halo motif, encapsulating the vibrant energy of this unique stage performance. Today, I’m going to introduce my newest creation - my son!

Lo Man-chak

Himself / God

Lo Man Chak, graduated from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts School of Drama in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Drama, majoring in Acting.

Learn more

Collaborating Actor
Three performers—Lee On-sang, Sum Cheuk-yiu, and Lau Ka-ying—share a lighthearted moment during a rehearsal for the Rooftop Productions contemporary theatre piece, 'Songs of Innocence and Experience'. Sum Cheuk-yiu (playing Abdiel) points playfully while laughing, flanked by Lee On-sang (playing Moloch) and Lau Ka-ying (playing Belial), who expresses heartfelt joy with her hands over her chest. The scene captures the collaborative spirit of HK stage performance. Songs of Innocence and Experience Rehearsal.

Lau Ka-ying

Herself / Belial

Lau is now studying at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, majoring in acting.

Learn more

Collaborating Actor
A profile headshot of actor Bills Tin captured during a rehearsal for a Rooftop Productions (天台製作) performance. He is sitting on a stool under a dramatic, bright blue spotlight, looking down at a mobile device held in his hands. The atmospheric lighting creates a sharp silhouette and a lens flare effect, typical of contemporary Hong Kong experimental stage productions.

Bills Tin

Since 2012, I have actively participated in lighting design for various theater productions, and I co-founded the "Pong!" Theatre Company with friends, dedicated to promoting local stage play creations.

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Lighting Designer
In a rehearsal for Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece 'Songs of Innocence and Experience', band leader Wu Lui-fung stands left, focused on playing his black bass guitar. To the right, Tsang Yuen-lam Ivy plays a keyboard, her expression intent and concentrated. In the background, another performer works with a synthesizer in a dimly lit studio featuring dark stage curtains. This image captures the artistic rigor behind the scenes of a Hong Kong stage performance: 'Songs of Innocence and Experience Rehearsal.'

Tsang Yuen-lam Ivy

Keys / Tubular Bells / Cello / Bass

Tsang graduated from the Education University of Hong Kong with a Bachelor of Music Education (major in Piano). In 2020, she explored the world of theatre to expand artistic horizons and completed a one-year drama diploma at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts.

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Musician
In a dramatic scene from Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre performance, 'Songs of Innocence and Experience,' Sung Kwok-tung is seen focused on playing electronic drums and a large gong under moody, deep red stage lighting, while Chin Wing-kar plays an electric guitar in the background. This atmospheric production explores complex themes of musical storytelling in Hong Kong theatre. As the tension mounts, a performer sings, "Don't cry out loud."

Sung Kwok-tung

Drums / Gong

Currently a Year-3 student in HKAPA School of Drama, majoring in Acting. He participated in the school production Songs of Innocence and Experience as a live band musician; He was also a chorus in Man Of La Mancha by Chung Ying Theatre Company as an internship. He joined the musical SING OUT in first run and second run (2017, 2018）， La Bayadère Hong Kong Ballet，2023) .

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Musician
Allison Fong Tsz-ching stands at a sound and lighting control console, silhouetted against a large, glowing projection screen displaying abstract green digital textures. This atmospheric scene captures the technical precision and immersive digital artistry central to Rooftop Productions' (天台製作) experimental contemporary Hong Kong theatre performances. A headshot.

Allison Fong Tsz-ching

Allison Fong graduated from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts with a BFA (Hons) in Theatre and Entertainment Arts (majoring in Sound Design). Most recently she worked as sound engineer and programmer for TechBox 2023: The Travellers and The Listeners and Little Mermaid in Sam Shing Estate. Fong has created sound design for Bolero (Crush Theatre), Śūnyatā (Theatre Ronin), Songs of Innocence and Experience (Rooftop Productions), The Blind (HKAPA), INT – an immersive audio-visual music concert (Graphicker), and Asagao (Artocrite Theater)

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Sound Designer

Tracy Giu Yuen-man

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Set and Costume Designer
A studio headshot of Hong Kong theatre actor Fong Hiu-tan, who is wearing round-rimmed glasses and a dark blue button-down shirt. He is captured in a soft, focused light against a dark background, reflecting the professional and artistic atmosphere typical of Rooftop Productions (天台製作) theatre work. A headshot.

Fong Hiu-tan

Graduated from School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong, and currently a digital visual artist and visual designer. Fong is passionate towards visual experiments on various media platforms all these years and works with many different creative units from theatre to popular music industry includes Zuni Icosahedron, Windmill Grass Theatre and W Theatre etc.

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Video Designer

Dominic Yau Man-tat

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Associate Set Designer
Portrait of performer Alfie Leung for the Rooftop Productions contemporary Hong Kong theatre show 'Superheroes Don't Give a Shit'. Leung is wearing a white tuxedo jacket paired with a white feather boa, styled as a whimsical, satirical take on a superhero costume. He is captured in a studio setting with warm professional lighting, posing with his arms crossed and a gentle, inviting smile. 'Superheroes Don't Give a Shit!'

Alfie Leung

Alfie is a freelance graphic designer/amateur actor/amateur playwright. Graduated in Computer Science (BSc) and Business System (MSc) from Monash University, Australia. Since 2010, he has been actively involved in the theatre field, and has been the graphic designer for numerous different theatre or arts organisations.

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Graphic Designer
A studio headshot of Hong Kong theatre performer Dickson Chiang Tak Chun for a Rooftop Productions (天台製作) project. He is captured from the chest up, wearing a light-colored short-sleeved button-down shirt over a black t-shirt, sitting against a backdrop of draped curtains with warm, dramatic stage lighting. He looks directly at the camera with a calm, focused expression. Dickson Chiang Tak Chun headshot.

Dickson Chiang Tak-chun

A graduate of the School of Theatre and Entertainment Arts at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Dickson Chiang holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) degree majoring in Technical Production and Management. He now is a freelancer active in various productions. His recent works include Goldfish of Berlin (Complete Version) , L’Elisir d’Amore, Yat-sen Musical and Goooooodbye Buddy.

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Production Manager

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Dates & Tickets

Dates

20–24 Jun 2022
Mon – Fri
11:45

Duration

1 hour 45 minutes

Ticket Prices

HK$50–95

Audience Information

Language

In Cantonese and English, with Chinese and English surtitles.

In Cantonese and English, with Chinese and English surtitles.

This production contains coarse language; it is suitable for audiences aged 12 or above.

Tickets will be available on HK Ticketing from May 31

Content Advisory

This production contains coarse language; it is suitable for audiences aged 12 or above.

Age Recommendation

12+

Ticket Availability

Tickets will be available on HK Ticketing from May 31

Venue

Hong Kong APA Studio Theatre

The Hong Kong Academy For Performing Arts, Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai

Hong Kong APA Studio Theatre
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Getting there

5 minutes from Wan Chai Station, Exit A4.

email

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