Review: Red Hare’s Wish, The Space

From Hamilton to Les Misérables, history-themed musicals have long captivated audiences with their ability to breathe new life into the past. Now, Red Hare’s Wish at The Space boldly ventures where few Western productions have dared to tread: the intrigue-filled final days of China’s Han Dynasty.

The premise is captivating: Liu Bei, a sandal maker, joins the army with her sworn brothers amid famine and unrest. Meanwhile, the scheming Cao Cao infiltrates a rebel coalition for his own gain, and the warrior Lu Bu grapples with violence and unexpected love. It’s a rich tapestry of iconic characters from Chinese literature, reimagined for the stage.

Vivi Wei‘s portrayal of Liu Bei is a standout, her voice bringing genuine emotion to the role. The Regent’s villain song, performed by Horace Chan, shows potential to become a showstopper with some refinement in its delivery. The coalition’s number proves surprisingly catchy, effectively tying together disparate plot threads. Composer credit is due here for Jialun Qi, as the score successfully marries traditional East Asian motifs with modern flair.

The acting is generally strong. Sheldon Long and Joshua Kwan, as Guan Yu and Zhang Fei respectively, make the most of limited dialogue, conveying their characters’ distinct personalities through nuanced mannerisms. However, Leon Hong‘s Lu Bu falls short of the “psychopathic warrior” billing, coming across more as a lovelorn teenager. That said, the choreographed fight scenes are captivating, favouring an almost wrestling-inspired approach over traditional swordplay.

Unfortunately, persistent audio issues severely hamper the experience, often rendering dialogue unintelligible during musical numbers. Some amateurish elements are also evident – Lu Bu visibly reading lines from his hands, and a misplaced “BACK” sign facing the audience. The direction occasionally leaves actors seeming lost on stage, unsure of their purpose in a given scene. There are some inconsistencies, such as the year given (168 BC) being historically inaccurate by over three centuries, but otherwise the characters remain surprisingly true to their roots, gender-swaps notwithstanding.

It’s important to note that this performance represents only the first act of what promises to be an ambitious and expansive work. As a piece still in development, Red Hare’s Wish demonstrates remarkable potential. The creative team’s vision is clear, and the foundations for a truly unique and captivating musical are firmly in place. With further refinement and polish, this show could evolve into something truly special in the landscape of historical musicals. However, significant technical adjustments and tightened direction are needed before it can truly shine. Theatre fans interested in works-in-progress and Chinese culture enthusiasts may find much to appreciate here, but casual audiences might want to wait for a more polished version.

Directed by: Enrico Liou
Composed and written by: Jialun Qi
Produced by: Isa Huiling Liu
Movement Direction by: Ting-Ning Wen

https://space.org.uk/event/red-hares-wish-livestream/Red Hare’s Wish plays at The Space until 17 August. It will also be available as an on-demand live stream for a further two weeks. Further information and bookings available here.