Replays of captivating drama are wonderful because they must have something good to share again. One can securely look for something different from the past versions.
The play Tuesdays with Morrie (相約星期二) produced by me and to be presented in November (3rd Friday to 12th Sunday Nov 2023 in Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts香港演藝學院) will be your emotional discernment from a ‘vintage’ story and idolatry of a wonderful character: After being diagnosed with the illness of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 漸凍人症), Professor Morrie’s final days were spent giving his former close sociology student Mitch, the great inspiring lessons of life. The memoir by the writer Mitch Albom is divided into 14 different ‘days’ that he spent with Professor Morrie. Throughout the days, Morrie and Mitch discussed various topics important to life and living. Morrie’s death and his wisdom on life represent the book’s message: We never know the day that we shall leave this earth. If we live our life to the fullest and realize how valuable a meaningful life can be, we will know how to love one another, how to live with no regrets and how to face death if we have to.
Tuesdays with Morrie is a real story. The career of sportswriter Mitch Albom took a big turn in 1997 when his book Tuesday with Morrie was published. As it is the true story of his touching reunion with Morrie Schwartz who was his admired college professor battling with death, the book went on to sell millions of copies. Mr Albom became and has been a world-famous writer since 1997.
The story is simple yet compelling. It is short yet long-lasting in terms of the spiritual awakening that it has on one’s life. Tuesdays with Morrie has been turned, as a celebratory recognition, into a play and an amazing TV drama.
In Hong Kong, the book was made a play more than 20 years ago. The success was evidenced by its long-running record in excess of 200 performances. Sadly, the former accomplished director Ko Tin Lung(古天農) passed away in 2022 and the brilliant actor Chung King Fai(鍾景輝) who played the role of Morrie has retired for years. Most great things in life cannot have returns. The show ended but could we have a way to make it alive?
One day, it did happen. Director and actor Dominic Cheung(張可堅), actor Alex Fong(方力申) and I had lunch. I said, “Right now, there are many social conflicts in Hong Kong and such differences have resulted in a society of tension and misunderstanding. Many people experience a lack of direction due to undefined objectives and values in life. The play of Tuesdays with Morrie is relevant at this best possible moment. Through the play, Morrie teaches us to appreciate our life, feel happy for all the little things around us and live life fully. He inspires us to love, have faith and acceptance, and laughter. But above all, Morrie teaches us forgiveness.”
Alex said, “I met a few excellent teachers in my life. They raised my problem-solving abilities and confidence. I was empowered by them in my personal development. I really want to thank them. I have not taken part in any theatrical performance before. Why don’t we go ahead and present again Tuesdays with Morrie?”
Dominic said, “The friendship with Tin Lung (Ko Tin Lung) and King Sir (Chung King Fai) has been a bond that profoundly lifted my spirit. Together, we walked on the theatrical paths uncharted. If my existing drama group allows me to do so, I would have no hesitation in re-doing Tuesday with Morrie. I will be excited to share the spiritual connections with the past and my fond memories with the audience now!”
Some great things are done by a series of small things brought together. There can also be a great thing which is done merely by impulse. The desire to do Tuesdays with Morrieis an impulsive string in the heart of Dominic, Alex and myself that would best be vibrated. People seldom consider the consequences of impulsive actions. Following our decision, the group started an up and active struggle from the moment that the bell went off. There was always a mountain to climb at the beginning. We had to contact the author Mitch Albom, book the venue from Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, gather the able teammates on and off stage, find the rehearsal space, prepare the posters, market the tickets, hold the press conference and resolve human conflicts…
We organized an online campaign called ‘Our Great Mentors’. Dominic, Alex and I are grateful to the teachers and mentors that we have come across during the past. There are many things to gain from having a role model steering us on the right path. Mentors help us avoid mistake, wiser and be a better person. They tug, push and lead us to the next plateau, poking us with a sharp stick which is ‘honest truth’. I met a great teacher in my life and he is Mr D Chu.
Winning is fun. But, giving up is the biggest temptation when you have to embark. Nicole Scherzinger, singer and actress, correctly said, “You cry and you scream and you stomp your feet and you shout. You say, ‘you know what? I’m giving up. I don’t care.’ And then you go to bed and you wake up and it’s a brand new day, and you pick yourself back up again.”
Dominic, Alex and I put aside our worries and are busy working—making a great book alive as a great play again, and please come to support between 3rdto 12th November!!
Tuesdays with Morrie IG: https://www.instagram.com/tuesdayswithmorrie_hk/ Acknowledgement-TuesdayswithmorrieIG
Tuesdays with Morrie FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550639421962 Acknowledgement-TuesdayswithmorrieFB
Tuesdays with Morrie (1999) tv drama official trailer https://youtu.be/V1N4W7_Qhao?si=oR1pgis3TfPPml5k Acknowledgement-Tuesdayswithmorry
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