The first instalment of the Tempted to read series by Artocrite Theater presents Dandelion addicted to Heroin. Using the dandelion as a metaphor for marginalised groups, particularly drug addicts, the sobering drama unveils the life and thoughts of those abandoned by society.

Dandelion gets its name from the French word “dent-de-lion”, which means lion tooth. Its extreme resilience helps it survive in pretty much any conditions, so much so that it is often considered an invasive species, a weed that needs to be removed to free space for the more desirable plants.

On the other hand, the word “heroin” originates from “heroisch”, which is German for “hero” – a nod to the fearsome narcotic’s incredible purity, price and power.

This is a story about how dandelions become slaves to heroin, made of a string of vignettes that begin and end in springtime, revealing the day-to-day conversations and interactions taking place in a drug den.

The original play is written by Birdy Wong Ching-yan, the Artistic Director of Artocrite Theater. The play-reading session is directed by Fong Ki-tuen and features Chester Wong Po-shing, Shirley Tsoi Wan-wa, Ally Chiu, Leung Tin-chak and Lau Hiu-wa as cast members.

During the post-session talk, theatre professional Andrew Chan Ping-chiu discusses the play and related cultural topics with the audience.

The play-reading session (excluding the talk) will be live-streamed online for free. Details will be announced on Freespace and Artocrite Theater’s social media pages in due course.

Tempted to read is part of Artocrite Theater’s “Venaissance” project. The play-reading series aims to explore humanity and the human condition through the metaphor of plants. The other two plays featured in the three-part series are I am Tree and Asagao.

Artistic Team:
Playwright: Birdy Wong Ching-yan
Director: Fong Ki-tuen
Stage Manager: Yuen Kin-man
Performers: Chester Wong Po-shing, Shirley Tsoi Wan-wa, Ally Chiu, Leung Tin-chak, Lau Hiu-wa
Guest speaker: Andrew Chan Ping-chiu

Artistic Director: Birdy Wong Ching-yan
Producer: Coco Tam
Illustrator: Sissy Lam
Graphic designer: Alfie Leung

Presented by Artocrite Theater

Hong Kong Arts Development Council fully supports freedom of artistic expression. The views and opinions expressed in this project do not represent the stand of the Council.

Co-presented with Freespace

Project Grant:
"Venaissance" is financially supported by the Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

The content of this programme does not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region