How To Throw A Chinese Funeral by Jill Kwan

Proudly Asian Theatre and Hand Pulled Collective are thrilled to present and co-produce "How To Throw A Chinese Funeral’ by Jill Kwan, a new theatre show that invites you to the sumptuous city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where an eclectic family of Chinese women must find some common ground in the bittersweet task of farewelling their Grandmother.

The show’s exciting debut season is set for this October 3rd-14th at Basement Theatre.

So what’s it about? When Lily and Anna’s grandmother passes away, they must reunite with their family in Malaysia to orchestrate her Taoist funeral - a custom lost even to their headstrong mum and outrageous Auntie. With old tensions bursting and new revelations challenging all they thought was true, the family must ask themselves: When the past is forgotten, are we next?

We follow three generations of women through Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Auckland, tracing their lives and relationships across history toward a heart-wrenching and hilarious family reunion.

Why is this show important?

Authentic, hilarious, empowered and layered - migrant Chinese women shine as their full bodied selves in this production. HTTACF empowers female voices and acknowledges the importance of seeing ourselves reflected in stories. Family is universal, and this show gives us all a chance to ask ourselves: How do we come to terms with ageing loved ones, and how do we continue to find relevance as we grow old ourselves? The production weaves contemporary visuals with Chinese funeral practices to create a distinct style that transports and immerses. Audiences get the chance to see highly intricate Taoist death traditions; grieving rituals, ancient texts, and Chinese and Malay art forms of shadow puppetry. Writer and director, Jill, brings her multilingual heritage, lived experiences, and deep research to ensure the work is nuanced, respectful and authentic.

We’ve come a long way!

This play is ready to hit the stage and has the accolades to prove it. How To Throw A Chinese Funeral was first read in PAT’s Fresh Off The Page playreading programme in 2020, won Playmarket’s Asian Ink in 2021 and was an Adam NZ Play Award finalist in 2022 - with a second reading hosted in Auckland Theatre Company after a week of workshops directed by Ahi Karunaharan which left audiences in fits of laughter and tears of recognition. Now, the show embarks on its exciting first development season, where we can finally witness its lyrical and culturally significant, yet universal, story, helmed by Jill Kwan who will direct under the legendary Ahi Karunaharan’s (Basmati Bitch) mentorship.

Where will this crowdfunding go?

The arts have taken a massive hit over Covid, and resources are thin on the ground. But this team just won’t quit - we know this show is worth it! Though we are incredibly grateful to have secured support through the Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust Fund & the Waitemata Local Board Grant, we need more to support our people to do their jobs. The funds from this Boosted campaign will go directly to lifting fees for the entire production; creative crew, and cast. How To Throw A Chinese Funeral is a new work in Aotearoa’s canon of Asian-led plays. Emerging playwrights like Jill, along with our cast and crew of predominantly Asian creatives, need support to ensure a more sustainable arts landscape for emerging Asian artists in Aotearoa.