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A group of talented elderly performers staged a successful premiere of the original dramedy The Final Escape, a local production inspired by Shakespeare’s King Lear that reflects the issues faced by the elderly such as in-law relationships and father-and-son relationships. The 45-minute performance at The Quayside, Link’s headquarters, filled the office with laughter as the audience reacted to the performers’ excellent performances, flexible movements, and funny jokes and interactions. The performers, with an average age of 64.8, are all members of Arts’ Options Inspirational Drama Programme for Elderly, a professional drama training programme sponsored by Link Together Initiatives.

Wong Cheuk Ming, who plays the protagonist, CEO Lee (Father), said, “Although I was a part of amateur theatre before joining this programme, I rarely had the chance to perform. As we only had six face-to-face rehearsals for this production due to the pandemic, I was very nervous.” Despite their nervousness with being on stage, the entire cast has enjoyed the experience a lot. "

I notice that I have been happier and more energetic since joining the programme, as I have made many new friends and had a more fruitful life packed with rehearsals," said Olive Chan, who plays the daughter of CEO Lee.

As the old Chinese saying goes, “life is like a drama”. Both Cheuk Ming and Olive find acting contemplative, as it inspires them to understand life more and allows them to think with different perspectives. In addition, during this drama training programme, which has taken place amid the coronavirus situation, they have shown that they can be flexible and adaptable such as using Zoom to rehearse.

Arts’ Options Executive Director Rebecca Po said, “Compared to younger performers, these elderly participants cherish every single chance to rehearse and act more.”

Ah Yat, also named DB Pasta (DB stands for drum and bass), aged 19, started mixing electronic music about a year ago. He has performed in public about 20 to 30 times since. (left in the photo)

Mark, also named bboy Nevermine, aged 22, has taken part in more than 100 street dance performances since he was first charmed by the dance moves when he was 12. (right in the photo)

Trained by the Link Together Initiatives-funded youth development programme “We are Top Crew”, these two young men recently secured jobs with event production houses, specialising in managing stage production, lighting and sound. They were hand-picked by mentors during event production and multimedia workshops under the programme.

Ah Yat and Mark are passionate, talented and dedicated when it comes to their hobbies. The guidance and occupational training provided by “We are Top Crew” has given them the tools they need to turn their hobbies into sustainable careers.

“Having danced for so many years, I wouldn’t want to give it up easily,” said Mark. “Now I’m trying to transition from being strictly a performer to an organiser for, say, dancing competitions. Realising this transition would make dancing sustainable for me.”

“In the long term, I hope to enter into the international arena of DJing,” said Ah Yat. “In the short term, it’d be nice if I could have more jobs to afford my own studio and personal expenses. I also hope to be able to pass my skills onto younger ‘Crew’ members.”

As soon as she showed up, she attracted a lot of attention from her fans.

Say hello to Pudding, a guide dog best known for her leading role in the movie “Little Q”. When she visited Lok Fu Place, Pudding was accompanied by her “mother”, Koo Lai (the guide dog user). Even though Koo Lai couldn’t see things clearly, with Pudding’s assistance, she was able to cross roads, take escalators, look for service desks and reach her destination without a hitch.

Pudding was bred by the Hong Kong Guide Dogs Association (HKGDA) in 2017, along with 18 guide dogs, as part of the guide breeding and education programme funded by Link Together Initiatives. This development programme is designed to benefit and raise awareness of visually impaired persons in Hong Kong.

Pudding is a great example of the success of this programme. She helps Koo Lai integrate into the community. “I used to have low self-esteem and didn’t even want to use a white cane. I was worried about what others think of me because I am visually impaired.” When Koo Lai shops with Pudding by her side, more people come to chat with her. "Pudding has allowed me to integrate into the community with dignity. Now I feel so much happier."

After years of public education, public are supportive to the development of guide dog services in Hong Kong. “I can feel the public recognition for Pudding and I’m really proud of it.”