Pulitzer Prize-winning play Rabbit Hole will make its Hong Kong stage debut in January 2027 at the Hong Kong Arts Centre. Directed by Cheung Ming-yiu, who also translated the script into Cantonese, the production stars his wife Rosa Wei and actor Cheung Kei-chung in a story that balances grief with resilience.
Background of a Classic
First staged on Broadway in 2006, David Lindsay-Abaire’s Rabbit Hole earned the playwright the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2007. Known in Chinese as “心渦”, the play has been translated into multiple languages and adapted into a 2010 film starring Nicole Kidman, who also produced. Its narrative delves into a family’s struggle after the death of a child, exploring emotional turmoil with authenticity and universal appeal.
Director’s Vision
Cheung Ming-yiu described the script as having a “good heart” despite its heavy themes. “This play deals with death and destruction, but its core is positive,” he said. “It’s sentimental, but audiences will be engaged throughout, experiencing anger and sadness, yet leaving the theatre feeling warm and enlightened.” His Cantonese translation relies on everyday speech to maintain accessibility without forcing localization. “I didn’t want a Hong Kong-specific version,” he explained. “The language feels natural for any Cantonese speaker, keeping the story geographically neutral.”
Casting Choices
The director hand-picked his wife, Rosa Wei, for the lead role, citing her unmatched experience among Hong Kong actresses her age. “I have few directorial options with her level of stature and skill,” Cheung Ming-yiu noted. Rosa has portrayed mothers before, but this role offers her a chance to explore new emotional depths. The male lead was entrusted to Cheung Kei-chung, a graduate of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, whom Cheung Ming-yiu praised for his ability to depict extreme lows and subsequent recovery. “He can sink to the lowest point and still find strength to rise,” the director said. “His personal journey can inspire a positive energy throughout the production.”
Directing the Spouse
Directing his wife presented unique dynamics. Cheung Ming-yiu admitted to being stricter with Rosa than with other cast members. “I communicate directly with her, which can lead to tension at home,” he acknowledged. He highlighted the curiosity around their working relationship, noting, “People often ask how a director manages an actor spouse, but they rarely ask how the actor directs the director at home.”
Broader Impact
This production of Rabbit Hole is expected to deeply resonate with Hong Kong audiences, offering an emotionally intense yet cathartic experience. With its talented cast and sensitive direction, the play is set to be a highlight of the arts season, fostering dialogue about loss, love, and healing. As Cheung Ming-yiu aimed, theatergoers should leave not just moved, but uplifted, showcasing the enduring power of storytelling.
