“Kevin Matthew Wong’s love for storytelling is genuine. He’s the real deal. He’s warm, likable, and funny. A terrific combination as the audience learns about Hakka.”

Kevin Matthew Wong should bottle his energy. He’ll make a fortune.

At this world premiere of his play, 'Benevolence, the young fellow is in high octane mode.

He enters, banging two pot lids together, and then invites three audience members to participate in a Lion Dance. Wong wants to be a good host and ensure people are enjoying themselves. He’s learned that from his parents. There’s a lot of busy stuff going on for a few minutes, and it’s a bit of a struggle to see where Wong is going in this solo piece.

The plot starts to light up when he slows down and tells the story of meeting Peter Chong in a community hall in Vancouver. Wong refers to the two-thousand-year-long migratory history of the Chinese diaspora known as the Hakka (meaning “guest families”). Kevin thinks he might be Hakka, but he’s not sure.

‘Benevolence’ follows Wong’s exploration of his Hakka identity. Curiosity and questioning abound in the script. Sadly, there is evidence that young people might not want to learn about their Hakka identity. There appears to be a fear of learning more about it.

Kevin is invited to represent his Hakka community at a world conference and wrestles with the decision to participate. Out of the blue, his auntie Sonia Chin calls him and asks him to write a play about Hakka identity for seniors in Markham. Kevin doesn’t want to disappoint his auntie. At one point, he telephones her and says he cannot continue; however, he ultimately comes through for Sonia.

Kevin achieves much more in love, understanding, and appreciation of his cultural background, discovering his knowledge of his roots and family at this world conference. He travels to Victoria, British Columbia, to visit Canada’s oldest Chinese temple and speaks with someone who works there.

One cannot help but like Kevin Matthew Wong. His love for storytelling is genuine. Wong is the real deal. He’s proud of his family and culture and wants to share his story with as many people as possible.

The intimate Extraspace Theatre is an excellent choice for staging Wong’s solo show. Echo Zhou has transformed the performance space into four key areas. Who would have thought that rectangular white tables could also be used as a screen? Wong’s agility is truly a sight to behold. He performs the Lion Dance with style, grace, and class, executing kicks and twists that only young people can achieve. Older individuals likely could not replicate what Wong does. Zhou’s lighting design frames Wong effectively as he physically embodies various people he meets along the way to the world conference.

Wong’s clear video and projection designs and Chris Ross-Ewart’s tip-top sound significantly enhance the overall visual presentation. Wong’s pre-recorded video conversations with his one-hundred-year-old grandmother are deeply touching. He is proud of her and respects her wholeheartedly, even though her memory fades and she cannot remember specific details about her Hakka culture upon arriving in Canada.

A lovely tribute to the Hakka community. Theatre allows audiences to learn more about other cultures.

What makes this production of ‘Benevolence’ work so beautifully?

The story is never forced upon us. Kevin Matthew Wong is our friend. He walks beside us, never leaving us alone while sharing personal family details with wit and class.

Who can ask for anything else?

A wonderful play. It’s all about the learning of other cultures here in Canada.

Go see ‘Benevolence.’

Running time: approximately 80 minutes with no intermission.

‘Benevolence’ runs until May 4 in the Extra Space at Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman Avenue, Toronto. For tickets: tarragontheatre.com or call the Box Office (416) 531-1827.

A WORLD PREMIERE
TARRAGON THEATRE in association with WHY NOT THEATRE and BROADLEAF COLLECTION present
‘Benevolence’ created and performed by Kevin Matthew Wong

Video and Projection Designer: Kevin Matthew Wong
Set and Lighting Designer: Echo Zhou 周芷會
Sound Designer: Chris Ross-Ewart
Dramaturg: Yizhou Zhang
Stage Manager: Tara Mohan