Prisca Tang
The actress in the Macau Cultural Centre’s (CCM) latest show ‘To the Moon’, Wang Junhao, told reporters yesterday that the children’s play would make one believe in imagination and dreams again.
Wang made the remarks at the Macau Cultural Centre in Nape during a meet-the-press event.
According to a CCM statement given out during yesterday’s meeting, ‘To the Moon’ tells the story of a young girl who finds through imagination and fantasy a way of dealing with her own feelings. The statement said that Tara, the main character of the play, spends the summer holidays under the starry sky at her grandfather’s farm, nurturing deep in her heart the dream of becoming an astronaut, completely fascinated by the sweet old man’s stories. The statement said that the climax happens on the day Tara’s grandfather passes away but Tara thinks he has gone to the Moon and decides to fly to the Moon accompanied by a flock of geese to be reunited with her beloved grandfather.
Wang said that the play is a collaboration between the Shanghai Children’s Art Theatre and Spanish company Voilà Producciones, adding that they have been working together since 2017. She said that her company translated the Spanish play into Chinese through its dialogue and her acting. Despite the translation, Wang said that she also had to make small adjustments on how to portray Tara. She said that in the Spanish version, Tara is more “boyish”, yet she tried to play the character more femininely for the Chinese audiences because she thought it would be an easier way to get the audience more emotionally involved.
Seeing death differently
When asked what her favourite part of the show was, Wang said that it was the scene when she flew to the Moon and realised her grandfather was not there. She said that she also had a close relationship with her grandfather and she also took it hard when he passed away.
“The scene when Tara realised that her grandfather did not go to the Moon but had actually passed away, gave me closure to my grandfather’s death. Every time I play this character, I act it out in memory of my grandfather,” she said with tears rolling down her face.
She also said that because of this very reason that she would be willing to play this role for the rest of her life.
“I was especially touched when Tara believed her grandfather had flown to the Moon so she talked to the Moon in remembrance of him. I love how their relationship continues even though death has separated them,” Wang said with a weak smile.
Wang said that the message of the play is to encourage children to dream big and to work hard to make the impossible happen. “This message motivates and inspires me every day,” she said.
Something for children and adults
Wang said that the play lasts for 45 minutes so usually children are able to keep their concentration.
“The cute geese that fly to the Moon with me are for the children. The message of death and how to see death is for the parents,” Wang said.
According to Wang, if one has a bit of childlike innocence hidden in his or her heart, they will be able to enjoy the play. She added or one could find comfort in the play while thinking of that beloved one who left for a better world.
Wang also said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, her company put on a show for medical workers in Shanghai. She said she hoped that this play could cheer up the medical workers who face the frustration of patients dying every day.
The main actress for Macau Cultural Centre’s (CCM) new play ‘To the Moon’, Wang Junhao plays the role Tara. Photos: Prisca Tang & Macau Cultural Centre
