Sheung Wan Civic Centre Theatre Saturday 14

“When I am silent, I have more power than when I speak,” says mime artist Chiu Kin-tong, a surprisingly gregarious personality for someone whose livelihood depends on keeping quiet. His upcoming production, Think out of the Lift, tells the stories of ordinary Hong Kong families, all revolving around their residential lifts. Chiu chooses the lift as the focal point because he believes that it is a symbolic gateway. “When people leave home and go out into the world, they have to take the lift; when they come home, they have to get back into the lift,” Chiu explains. “It is that transition moment when they are alone with themselves, and are forced to stop and reflect.”

In this performance, Chiu challenges himself to use traditional miming techniques – no props or backdrops – without compromising the depth of the stories he tells. “I used to have props to help me,” he said, “but I want this show to be very pure.” He also acts alone, playing all of the characters himself.

Chiu hopes that his show will help people realize that miming is more than just the stereotypical man in a box. Although he often has to sacrifice details because he cannot use words to provide explanations, Chiu believes that silence has greater potential for the imagination. “I want my audience to realize the power of imagination,” he says. “I want to invite them… to challenge them to join me as I tell my stories.”

Caroline Chen

Tickets: 2734 9009; www.urbtix.hk.