Written by Dr. Moni Lai Storz
Synopsis
To have not to have, that is the question.
Covid Baby is a one act play about a couple, John Williams and Ding Mei Ling, as they navigated their way in and out of lockdowns, also found themselves confronting a big decision: to have or not to have a baby. How John used the “Aussie or western way” and how Mei Ling used the ancient Chinese way highlights the cross-cultural differences between them. How they make the final decision is the central plot of this play.
Author’s Note
Covid Baby is the third part of my trilogy which started as Our Man in Beijing in 2012 at La Mama, Carlton. Its second part Mei Ling in Melbourne was performed in 2019 at Singing Wok, a theatre cafe which I started in 2019 and Covid19 closed it down in 2020. This trilogy of cross-cultural plays is probably the first of its kind in Australia which specifically highlights Anglo Australian and Chinese values. COVID BABY will be performed at the ACT STUDIO.
The ACT Studio
The ACT and its studio/garden is at 11 Cole St, Brighton, Victoria. The garage transformed into a black box theatre space provides an incubator for a cross-cultural mix of Chinese and Australian performing theatre makers and artists to showcase their talents since 2007. Founded by Moni Lai Storz who defines her life work to be the building of bridges for Australians and Chinese to cross with understanding and love.
Cast
Tony Fogas – (John Williams; Anglo Australian male, advertising executive)
Isabelle Wang – (Mei Ling; Chinese woman, singer/actress)
Moni Storz – (Granny Moni; Chinese woman, owner of restaurant/takeaway at Singing Wok)
Tegan Jones – (Xiao Bao Bao; singer, kitchen hand/delivery girl at Singing Wok takeaway)
Production Team
Moni Storz – Producer & Author
Wolf Heidecker – Director
Richard Lyford-Pike – Sound & Light Designer
Jennifer Green (with Cooper) – Stage Manager
Song & Music
Wear That Mask composed by Felipe (Phil) Trainer
Performance Times
(The play is about 40 minutes)
THURSDAY 15 SEPT 7.30 PM
FRIDAY 16TH SEPT 7.30 PM
SATURDAY 17TH SEPT 7.30 PM
SUNDAY MATINEE 3 PM
SUGGESTED DONATION $25 per person
In support of Prasad Australia https://prasadaustralia.org/
PRASAD is a not-for-profit organization committed to improving the quality of life of economically disadvantaged people around the world. PRASAD (Philanthropic Relief, Altruistic Service And Development) is a philanthropic expression of the SYDA Foundation – the organization that protects, preserves and disseminates the Siddha Yoga teachings.