The Writer
Stan Lai
Stan lai
Stan Lai 賴聲川 is an American-born Taiwanese playwright and theater director who is perhaps best known for his play Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land. Apart from being a world-renowned theatre artist, Lai is also an award-winning filmmaker, and a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism and has translated multiple books on the subject. Robert Brustein has called Lai "The major contemporary Asian playwright of his time, perhaps of all time."
Stan Lai's plays have been described as "The pinnacle of our era of theatre." (The Beijing News). Since 1984, his over 30 original plays have continually pioneered the way toward new horizons in modern Chinese theatre. China's prominent literary critic Yu Qiuyu says that Lai's work “always has the ability to touch the heartstrings of countless audiences.”
Lai remains a significant cultural bridge between Taiwan and China, and his influence on contemporary Chinese culture continues to grow. Aside from his creative bases in Shanghai and Taipei, Lai has been commissioned to create new works in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Beijing.
The Director
Ren Ruidi
Ren Ruidi 仁 瑞娣 is honoured to direct this premiere production bringing Stan Lai’s I Me She Him to life at a time when global geopolitical tensions are increasing. With an extensive background in theatre, Ren began as an opera singer training at The Australian National University before embarking on a global journey as a multi-hyphenate creative and now spends her time between the UK and Australia.
Some of her previous roles as an actress include Jennifer in The Code (ABC), Selina Lin in Deadly Women (Beyond Int.), and Queen Margaret in web-series Walking Shadows where she received critical acclaim for her performance winning Best Actress at the British Web Awards.
This is Ren’s Directorial debut and she would like to express her heartfelt appreciation to the talented cast, crew and Wit for their dedication and hard work in making this production a reality. She also thanks the audience for their support of independent live theatre and the work of Asian artists. Ren was born in Canberra and is also a proud native level speaker of the Shanghainese-Dialect and advocates for dialect preservation within Shanghai’s diverse cultural heritage.
From the Director
Ren Ruidi
When I first read I Me She Him I was captured by Stan Lai’s ability to weave a complex story of intersecting timelines and lives all ultimately connected through the different forms and faces of love. All the facets of our humanness whether it be the tenderness of a past forgotten to the humour in our earthly misunderstandings and failings, are all beautifully explored in this powerhouse of a play.
A large amount of rehearsal time was spent unpicking and discovering the tapestry of historical references and metaphors embedded within the deceptively simple dialogue. We worked hard with the actors in grounding the metaphysical aspects of the play so that at all times we never forget that we are witnessing the testimonies of lived experiences.
It has been a nourishment to explore and direct this piece in the company of such a talented cohort of Asian-Australian actors, and a brilliant team of creative minds and collaborators in the design and creative team. What a feat to put on a production of this kind and thank you to our partners and sponsors for being a beloved and vital part of our production.
With Love,
Ren x
The Artists
Core creative team
Director: Ren Ruidi
Writer: Stan Lai 賴聲川老師
Translated by Stan Lai, Translation Editor and Dramaturg, Lissa Tyler Renaud
Cast
Jing - Lansy Feng
Attendants and Hotel staff - Eldon Huang
Mao Mao - James Lau
More - Enoch Li
Other Man - Berlin Lu
Miss Sun - Rebekah Lin
Other Woman - Angel Xiao
Junior - Willam Xu
Crew
Director: Ren Ruidi
Production Manager/Stage Manager: Megan Mitchell
Production Manager: Lansy Feng
Sound Designer/Tech Manager: Jarman Oakley
Set Designer: Riley Tapp
Lighting Designer: Oliver Ross
Marketing Manager: Madeleine Magee Carr
Publicity: Sassy Red PR
Cultural Consultant: Wilson Yeung Chun Wai
Peking Opera Coach and Movement Coordinator: Fini Liu
Other contributors
Photographer (hero image): Ashleigh Coleman
Photographer (production): Sarah Clarke
Intimacy Coach: JC Jacinta Scadden
Special thanks: Emma Drysdale, Sasha Leong, Reis Low
The Company
Wit Incorporated is a vibrant and inclusive professional theatre community championing diverse and engaging work that inspires artists and audiences alike.
Our mission is to forge artistic connections in Melbourne's West by sharing stories that are culturally rich and representative of humankind as a whole.
The company began in Footscray in 2014, by Jennifer Piper and Belinda Campbell, from a desire to enrich and contribute to the arts in Melbourne’s inner-west and foster a culture of theatre-going within the community.
In 2020, after years of hard work establishing Wit Incorporated, Jennifer and Belinda handed over leadership of the company to Lansy Feng and El Boydell.
The same year, Wit Incorporated became a City of Maribyrnong Triennial Arts Partner.
In 2022, a few new members joined the company. Our team is currently lead by Lansy Feng, Emma Drysdale, Madeleine Magee Carr and Megan Mitchell
Wit Incorporated values inclusivity, joy, bravery, sustainability and respect.
We run a series of programs, including our Sundays Creative Workshops and Wit Kids children's drama classes.
Make art with us
We love theatre, and we’d love your support
Theatre is a vital part of a healthy, growing society. Sharing stories helps us to grow, learn and connect. Since 2014, we have worked to create accessible, sustainable theatre that reflects the experience of our people.
We value creativity, accessibility, sustainability, inclusion and kindness.
Wit Incorporated Inc is a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) so any donation over $2 is tax-deductible. Your financial contribution makes our artistic contribution possible.
