Hong Kong singer-actor Anson Lo recently put the finishing touches on the local adaptation of the popular K-drama “The Secret Life of My Secretary” and immediately gathered cast and crew—including actress Ivy So—for a celebratory dinner. With production behind him, Lo used his first free moment to visit the Theatre Master Chung King-fai Memorial Exhibition at the West Kowloon Cultural District’s Xiqu Centre, where he immersed himself in the legacy of one of Hong Kong’s most revered stage figures.
Art as a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Dressed in a black top, jeans, a cap and glasses, Lo spent considerable time studying the exhibits. He took photos in front of a large backdrop, posed beside a glowing yellow ladder display that featured vintage images of Chung King-fai—affectionately known as King Sir—and even recreated a pose from a classic production of “West Side Story” at a dedicated section. One stop that clearly resonated was a video installation featuring acclaimed film director Johnnie To. Lo paused, guidebook in hand, and jokingly addressed the screen with “Director To, hello.”
But it was a powerful quote on one of the exhibition panels that left the deepest impression. “Art is a marathon, not a sprint; it requires patience and perseverance,” read the words of King Sir. Lo was visibly moved and later urged his followers on social media: “You must come and see. #Legend.” His posts reflected both admiration for the drama icon and a personal call to keep growing as a performer.
A Meeting of Generations
Chung King-fai, a pioneering force in Hong Kong theatre and television, mentored generations of actors and directors before his passing in 2018 at age 86. The exhibition at Xiqu Centre—located in the increasingly vibrant West Kowloon cultural hub—offers an intimate look at his career through photographs, costumes, scripts and video tributes. For a young artist like Lo, the visit was more than a casual cultural stop; it was a deliberate effort to draw inspiration from a master who elevated local performing arts.
Lo’s decision to carve out time for the exhibition amid a packed schedule underscores the importance he places on continuous learning and artistic depth. As he celebrates the completion of one project, he is already looking forward to the next, guided by the industry wisdom that has shaped Hong Kong’s entertainment landscape.
The post-wrap party and the museum visit together paint a portrait of an artist who balances camaraderie with a hunger for growth. For fans, Lo’s public appreciation of King Sir’s legacy also highlights the enduring influence of theatre on contemporary screen actors, bridging past and present in Hong Kong’s creative scene. With the drama now in post-production, audiences can expect to see how that artistic nourishment might translate into his upcoming performance.
