Simon Wu is a published playwright and recognized screenwriter in London (United Kingdom) and Hong Kong.

 

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF MR CHAN by Simon Wu

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Broadcast by BBC Radio 4 on 5 February 2020 at 2.15 pm

 

Hong Kong writer Mr Chan fails to arrive at Heathrow. His daughter Poppy sets out to find him. But her mother begs her to come home and keep her company. She’s scared.

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Poppy enlists the help of ex-boyfriend Jason, who’s an online journalist. They fly out to Hong Kong determined to research and write a story that will help get her father released, but Poppy’s mother Ada is certain the best way to help is to comply with the authorities by staying silent.

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Set against the backdrop of student protests at the newly proposed Extradition Bill, this is a story of a clash between generations about the best way to deal with political disturbance. It’s also a story about fear, courage and determination.

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Cast:
Poppy – Jennifer Leong
Jason – Jeremy Ang Jones
Mr Chan and Uncle – Jamie Zubairi
Mrs Chan and Auntie – Liz Sutherland-Lim
Vicky and Security Officer – Michelle Yim

Writer: Simon Wu
Director: David Tse
Producer: Melanie Harris
Executive Producer: Jeremy Mortimer
Sound Designer: Eloise Whitmore

A Sparklab production for BBC Radio 4

 

Feedback from social media

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"Really enjoyed the play.  The structure was great and the plot gripping. Well done."

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"Love the light and shade - aunty and her pineapple biscuits in the midst of unrest."

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"That was so cleverly done."

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"Eye-opening and poignant."

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"The Icarus metaphor really worked for me.  Well done."

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"Brilliant play, very well crafted."

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"Beautifully scripted and directed."

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"Very moving and with a suitably ambiguous ending!"

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"I can highly recommend it.  Well done."

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"Found it moving, cuttingly controversial with the recent happenings in Hong Kong and am actively recommending that anyone who hasn't heard it, make all attempts to do so! Absolutely brilliant."

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"Really engrossing.  The end bit was very moving with the millions flying across the sky.  Well done giving a voice to such an important theme and its dilemmas.  It remindes me of old cold war dramas - brave individuals and artists vs the unyielding, all-powerful state.  Tragic and scary.  Great stuff."

 

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