A highly anticipated new stage comedy, Trinity of One, will launch its ten-date run at the Hong Kong Arts Centre’s Shouson Theatre beginning April 10, bringing together an award-winning ensemble cast to explore the contemporary anxieties surrounding internal and external flaws through a blend of physical farce and poignant reflection. The production, creatively curated by Ling Man-lung and co-directed by Chu Pak-him and Cheung Chi-man, examines the lengths people go to achieve perceived perfection, fueled by cutting-edge, though fictitious, medical technology. Tickets for the limited engagement officially go on sale on February 25.
Bending Reality: The Quest for the ‘Optimized Man’
Written by Oscar Leung, the plot centres on three distinctly troubled men who, dissatisfied with their inherent imperfections, opt for a fantastical “fusion surgery.” This procedure promises to extract their individual strengths while eliminating their perceived flaws, ultimately creating one “optimized perfect man.” The narrative’s foundation—focusing on the theme of “external deficiencies”—uses this outlandish premise to generate both uproarious laughter and surprising depth.
The ensemble features Ling Man-lung alongside Mak Pui-tung, Alan Shum Ka-ki, Ho Lok-yiu (Sica), and Cheung Chi-man. For many, this marks their first collaboration, injecting a fresh energy into the production.
Ling Man-lung, who steps into the role of creative planner for the first time, revealed the personal weight of the roles, noting his character struggles with deep-seated flaws that have led to romantic setbacks. “This is a performance where you feel like you are selling your soul,” Ling stated. “It’s a significant challenge for me. Beneath the farcical story lies many thought-provoking questions, and I hope the audience can share in the characters’ emotional journey.”
A Collaborative Challenge: Balancing the Hilarity and Heart
The comedy’s sharp wit resonated strongly with the cast, particularly Mak Pui-tung, who confessed he needs to prepare his “defenses” to avoid breaking character mid-scene. “This show is truly hilarious,” Mak shared. “Alan, Sica, and Man-lung all possess incredible comedic timing. What are painful flaws for the characters are laugh points for the audience—even I find myself struggling not to laugh.”
Alan Shum Ka-ki, though a seasoned performer, admitted to feeling considerable pressure, stating, “I don’t consider myself a natural comedian. The rhythm and delivery required for comedy are incredibly difficult, making this an excellent challenge.” He hopes viewers leave with both a smile and something substantive to contemplate.
Sica, who takes on multiple dynamic roles including girlfriends and a nurse, expressed excitement about collaborating with Mak and Ling for the first time. “Every new script is a new gauntlet thrown down,” she noted, acknowledging the intensive demands of playing varied characters.
Imagining Perfect Fusion
In a delightful nod to the play’s central technological theme, the cast shared their personal choices for a ‘fusion partner.’ Shum playfully suggested merging with actor Louis Koo, assuring, “I feel he couldn’t find anyone better than me; he should definitely choose me.”
Ling, seeking intellectual dominance, immediately thought of the famous strategist: “For some reason, the name Zhuge Liang came to mind. I deeply desire his wisdom.” Sica offered a more sentimental choice, expressing a curiosity about the results of a “near-relative merger” with her mother.
Mak Pui-tung delivered the most heartfelt response, choosing his wife. “She is perfect,” he said sweetly, adding that the discussion happened to fall on her birthday, affirming his choice.
Trinity of One promises a high-octane theatrical experience, using surreal comedic devices to offer a critique of modern society’s endless and often absurd pursuit of an unattainable ideal.
