Montreal’s Centaur Theatre to Premiere Chloé Hung’s “Three Women of Swatow”
Montreal, QC – Centaur Theatre is set to present the Montreal debut of Three Women of Swatow, a darkly comedic play by celebrated playwright Chloé Hung. The production runs from November 5 to 24, 2024, marking a significant addition to Centaur Theatre’s 56th Season, titled “Coming Home to Centaur.” This is the theatre’s first Chinese Canadian play, directed by Sophie Gee, and will feature performances by Shiong-En Chan, Qianna MacGilchrist, and Julie Tamiko Manning.
Three Women of Swatow tells the compelling story of three generations of Chinese-Canadian women who are forced to confront the fallout from a sudden and bloody incident: the accidental killing of a husband. As the women navigate the unexpected circumstances, the play delves into themes of family legacy, generational trauma, and the absurdity that can accompany tragic situations, such as preventing the resurrection of a headless chicken. Hung’s writing infuses the narrative with wit and emotional depth, shedding light on complex family dynamics.
In an interview, Hung explained her motivation behind writing the play: “With Three Women of Swatow, I made it my mission to write three very different Chinese women—women who are so familiar to me, yet who present a Chinese family from a very different lens than we are used to seeing on stage.”
The play originally premiered at Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre in March 2020 to critical acclaim, with Hung gaining recognition as a fresh voice in Canadian theatre. She was recently awarded the 2023 IAMA Rhimes Unsung Voices Playwriting Commission in Los Angeles, with backing from prominent TV producer Shonda Rhimes.
The production’s director, Sophie Gee, is a noted theatre maker and graduate of the National Theatre School. She recently received the 2023 John Hirsch Prize, which recognizes emerging directors with exceptional potential. Gee is known for her innovative work with Nervous Hunter, a company she founded, and her experience spans productions across various Montreal theatre spaces.
Centaur Theatre, located in the historic district of Old Montreal, is renowned for its commitment to thought-provoking productions that encourage dialogue within the community. As part of its ongoing mission, Centaur strives to reflect diverse perspectives and broaden audiences’ understanding of different cultural experiences.
Performance Schedule and Ticket Information:
- Dates: November 5-24, 2024
- Showtimes: Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8:00 PM; Matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM
- Opening Night: November 8 at 8:00 PM
- Venue: Centaur 1, Centaur Theatre, 453 St. Francois-Xavier, Montreal
- Ticket Prices: $22 to $68, with various discounts available
- Ticket Purchase: Online at centaurtheatre.com or by phone at 514-288-3161
This production not only adds to Centaur’s diverse offerings but also brings a fresh narrative to Montreal’s theatre scene, exploring the nuances of Chinese-Canadian identity through a darkly humorous lens.
