Interview by William Chan
In Macau’s performing arts landscape, children’s and youth theatre has often been associated with light-hearted entertainment or conventional storytelling.
However, the Big Mouse Kids Drama Group (Big Mouse) is reshaping that narrative through structured training, physical theatre, and thought-provoking allegories. Through a series of summer productions and artistic exchanges, the troupe is encouraging young performers to observe the world critically and process complex social themes through the arts.
In an exclusive interview, Big Mouse Captain Mabina Choi Leng Chi – a theatre researcher, actress, and educator – told the Post how the group’s recent trilogy of productions uses physical expression, literary adaptations, and student-driven creation to empower youth both on and off the stage.
Hey, Come On Out!: global collaboration & environmental allegory
Headlining Big Mouse’s summer season is the world premiere of Hey, Come On Out!, showcasing this Saturday and Sunday (August 8, 9) in Macau at Theatre Farmers on Rua de Francisco Xavier Pereira, followed by an August 15 performance at the Hengqin Art and Cultural Centre. Adapted from Japanese literature by Daisuke Sagawa and directed by core artistes from Japan’s acclaimed Theatre Moments, the physical and object driven theatre piece delves into human nature and environmental dilemmas.
The story opens in the aftermath of a typhoon, where a village discovers a mysterious, bottomless hole. As villagers and officials realise that anything thrown into the hole disappears without a trace, they begin dumping confidential documents, waste, and burdens inside, celebrating the apparent end of their troubles.
Originally envisioned for older youths before cast adjustments brought in younger student performers, the production blends innocent performances with dark, reflective satire.
“Instead of relying on heavy sets or preachy scripts, the ensemble uses everyday objects and body movement to build a sci-fi universe,” Choi noted. “When audiences watch children perform a story about avoiding real-world consequences, it creates a powerful contrast. Different age groups walk away with distinct insights – whether reflecting on personal worries or examining societal negligence.”
Monster: physicality, desire, resisting groupthink
Addressing deeper psychological themes, Big Mouse revived its physical drama Monster. Set in a rural village unsettled by a mysterious creature, the play traces how initial terror turns into obsessive fascination when the monster emits an intoxicating fragrance. Only one young man, Norbu, sees through the illusion and attempts to destroy the threat.
Through expressive choreography and movement-driven staging, Choi noted that Monster serves as a sharp critique of groupthink, temptation, and the social isolation that comes with independent thought.
“In today’s media environment, young people are constantly exposed to external temptations and peer pressure,” Choi explained. “We don’t focus on superficial themes like ‘following your dreams.’ During our intensive summer rehearsal process - where phone use is strictly set aside – students learn critical thinking, teamwork, and resilience through feedback. They learn to observe the world with a clearer lens.”
Following its local run, the production was selected for festival showcases in Belgium on August 24, demonstrating the troupe’s artistic viability beyond Macau.
Stars’ Choice: nurturing authentic youth narratives
Complementing these intensive productions was Stars’ Choice held last month, a curriculum-based show where students across different age groups devised short, original pieces based on picture books and personal stories.
Designed to build creative confidence and team collaboration, Stars’ Choice allowed younger participants to explore themes of fear, emotional regulation, and personal growth at an age-appropriate pace.
Looking ahead, Choi said that Big Mouse is rolling out a comprehensive two-year educational drama initiative funded by local arts grants. Incorporating advisors and lecturers from Beijing, Hong Kong, and the Taiwan region, the project will train local actors to devise interactive touring productions focused on intangible cultural heritage, traditional values, and youth identity for schools and communities across Macau.
“Theatre provides young people with a platform to be heard and validated,” Choi said. “By guiding them step-by-step through different theatrical forms, we aren’t just teaching acting - we are helping them build the critical tools needed to navigate the world around them.”
To purchase tickets for Hey, Come On Out!, scan the poster’s QR code.
This undated file photo shows Mabina Choi posing.
Big Mouse performs Monster last year at Theatre Farmers on Rua de Francisco Xavier Pereira.
Big Mouse performs “When Superpowers play” as part of the Stars’ Choice programme last month at the Macao Cultural Centre. – Photos provided by Big Mouse
