Boldness be my friend

Cecilia Yip, a veteran of Hong Kong's film and stage with four decades of acting experience under her belt, says she was on a learning curve, all over again, trying to find her way into playing the psychologically complex and physically demanding role of Lear. By the end of the rehearsals, she had developed empathy for the extremely unsympathetic character.

"Taking part in this nonverbal production has made me more sensitive, both in terms of interpreting the role as well as reacting to fellow actors," Yip says. "Playing Lear has given me a new understanding of life, as well as of the distinctions between good and evil, and also made me a kinder person, both to myself and to others."