A Playlist For The Revolution – Bush Theatre, London

A new work at the Bush Theatre, A Playlist for the Revolution is a love story set against the background of the 2019 Hong Kong protests.

A Playlist For The Revolution

In a time of intense social upheaval, A Playlist For The Revolution beautifully captures the essence of human connection and self discovery amidst the backdrop of the 2019 Hong Kong protests. A three-hander, it tells the story of Jonathan (Liam Lau-Fernandez) and Chloe (Mei Mei Macleod), who meet at a party. From different backgrounds and with different outlooks on life, music is a way for them to forge and maintain a connection, particularly once Chloe returns to life in England. As the situation in Hong Kong develops, it is a way for playwright AJ Yi to explore themes of belonging, identity, and love of different kinds.

Jonathan and Chloe’s meet cute is a scene we have seen before (here for instance). A boy and a girl meet at a party. There’s attraction, but they need to know if they’re compatible, if there’s something they can bond over. If Jonathan exaggerates his music tastes a little to impress Chloe, what’s the harm? He certainly puts his money where his mouth is with a spectacular spot of dancing.

Yi’s depiction of this type of young love is both nuanced and compelling. Both Chloe and Jonathan are still finding themselves. Chloe has developed a ‘kooky’ persona, as Jonathan puts it – she wants to be different and spontaneous and free. But she is still mired in the self-absorption of youth, seeing the Hong Kong protests in generalities and in terms of her own struggle with her identity as a Hongkonger. Jonathan recognises this selfish streak, but likes Chloe nonetheless. He has preoccupations of his own: whether to live the life his father wants for him, or to follow his heart and his own interests. As they grow individually, will their bond strengthen or fade away?

Love Against A Turbulent Backdrop

A third character in A Playlist for a Revolution both deepens the exploration of Hong Kong identities, and acts as a further catalyst to Jonathan’s journey. This is Mr Chu, a university staff member met by chance in a piano rehearsal room. Mr Chu’s character adds depth to Yi’s story by introducing generational and socio-economic tensions. Mr Chu’s view on life, and the protests, is very different to Jonathan’s (or Chloe’s). He is also played with real humour by Zak Shukor, who delights in every scene.

Across the board the characters are portrayed with depth and authenticity, allowing the audience to empathize with their struggles and aspirations. Their individual experiences with the protests and with each other serve as a catalyst for personal growth, and the chemistry between the actors adds a touch of realism. This is particularly impressive in the case of Lau-Fernandez, who stepped into the cast relatively late but whose performance ranges from endearingly sweet and funny, to scenes of soul-baring, raw emotion.

The set design of A Playlist for the Revolution (Liam Bunster) is visually striking, transporting the audience to a stylised Hong Kong. Towards the end of the play the use of multimedia elements, such as projected video, enhances the immersive experience and adds to the emotional impact of the narrative. Lighting by Gillian Tan is simple yet effective, and as well as sound design by Jamie Ye, there is of course an actual playlist to listen to on Spotify.

Final Thoughts

A Playlist for the Revolution is a new Bush Theatre commission, and fits the theatre’s championing of new voices and contemporary stories well. It’s a play that will connect with different audiences on different levels: a strong Hong Kong contingent on press night excitedly discussed during the interval how it felt to see themselves reflected on stage. And by highlighting the power of love, understanding and growth, Yi creates a universal message that resonates with audiences, transcending specifics of time and place.

A Playlist for the Revolution successfully intertwines the personal and political aspects of the 2019 Hong Kong protests, presenting a tale of love and resilience that transcends borders. By emphasizing the emotional journey of the characters and the universal themes they embody, the play manages to navigate complex territory with grace and sensitivity. It’s an inspiring and powerful work, with a catchy playlist which will keep you thinking about it long after you’ve left the theatre.

Salterton Arts Review’s rating: 4/5

A Playlist for the Revolution on until 5 August 2023