When I was a kid, my friends debated whether I was a banana or an egg (depending on whether you identify with being ‘yellow on the outside, white on the inside‘ or ‘white on the outside, yellow on the inside’). My mixed-race mum Beatrice – born in Shanghai in the roaring 1920s – was called Eurasian. I’ve always wrestled with identity and belonging. Much of that was bound up with the events of my mum’s traumatic early life. I was too busy travelling the world as a journalist, telling other people’s stories, to unravel the story tucked away in my photo albums and family notes. A visit to Shanghai in 2018 changed everything. Lost in Shanghai is the story of how I found my Mum – and myself – in the process.
Jane Hutcheon – Writer/Performer
Throughout her adventurous journalism career, one story has intrigued Jane Hutcheon more than any other: the story of her mother Beatrice’s turbulent childhood in pre-Communist Shanghai. It’s the tale of an ordinary Eurasian family in extraordinary times, set against a backdrop of fading colonial opulence and looming war.
After visiting Shanghai in 2018, Jane began to search for the truth of her mother’s difficult beginnings. Lost in Shanghai is her family’s story of survival. Beatrice becomes a journalist at the South China Morning Post in the 1950’s, perhaps setting a precedent for her daughter. Using projected images from the family archive curated by renowned photographer William Yang and music composed and performed by Dr Terumi Narushima, Jane narrates the moving story of Lost in Shanghai in her own words.
Co-Directed by William Yang and Tasnim Hossain, Lost in Shanghai adds to the rich collection of theatrical storytelling works from Contemporary Asian Australian Performance (CAAP), such as Double Delicious, The Backstories, In Between Two, Who Speaks for Me and Stories Then and Now.
“A tantalising insight into the breadth and bravery she displayed across her career.” – The Age/Sydney Morning Herald
“I challenge anyone not to be moved by this beautiful and moving tribute.” – Theatre Travels
Writer/Performer Jane Hutcheon
Co-Director William Yang
Co-Director/Dramaturg Tasnim Hossain
Composer/Musician Terumi Narushima
Lighting Designer Susan Grey Gardner
Event and Ticket Details
Accessibility
Hearing Aid Loop Wheelchair Access
Dates & Times
Location
Prices
BMEC Members
Adults $39, Concession $33
Non-Members*
Adults $45, Concession $39
* A transaction fee applies
Event Notes
Suitable for ages 14+
The performance will be followed immediately by a Q&A led by Jen Barry
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural warning: Please be advised that the following performance contains images of people who have died.
Creative Note
