Chinese cuisine sets the scene

The Beijing People's Art Theatre version is performed in the Beijing dialect, which is an integral part of the play's identity. The dialect has a distinct rhythm, intonation and linguistic humor, all of which significantly contribute to the emotional depth and tone of the dialogue. The specific expressions, colloquialisms and cultural nuances embedded in the dialect have a vital role in the play's authenticity and impact.

"While Cantonese is a rich, expressive language in its own right, its vocabulary, intonation and idiomatic expressions differ from the Beijing dialect. Since our rendition is performed in Cantonese, the actors must adapt the language carefully to preserve the comedic timing, emotional depth and local relevance while ensuring that the essence of the original script remains intact," Szeto says.

Since its founding in 1977, the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre has become the city's longest-standing and largest professional theater company.

A renowned actor and former principal performer at the Hong Kong theater, Tse plays the central role of Lu. To prepare for the role, Tse watched various versions of the play by the Beijing People's Art Theatre, including the 1988 premiere.

"Though I don't fully understand the Beijing dialect, I loved the actors' accents and the fast-paced dialogue, which sounded almost like singing," says Tse, 61. "I also love the script and its profound idea that life is like a complex meal, with a mix of bitter, sweet, salty, and sour experiences."