Cast and dates announced for world premiere of Joanne Lau’s WORTH at Arcola Theatre and Storyhouse
Dates have been announced for the world premiere of Joanne Lau’s WORTH.
The new darkly comic drama exploring immigration and family secrets from Chinese Canadian writer, Joanne Lau is presented by New Earth Theatre and Storyhouse, in association with Arcola Theatre.
The production opens at Arcola Theatre on 12 April, with previews from 7 April, and runs until 29 April, before transferring to Chester’s Storyhouse, playing from 5 to 20 May.
Making up the cast are Arthur Lee (Jacob) and Jennifer Lim (Penny), Stephen Hoo (Ted), Sara Chia-Jewell (May) and Zachary Hing (Anthony).
Directed by Mingyu Lin, WORTH confronts the truth of generational trauma in immigrant families, inspired by the true events that followed the death of Lau’s mother.
Hours before their mother’s funeral, the Yeung siblings gather in the family home for the first time in years, only to discover their inheritance is missing. With seemingly only £44 cash to her name and the house due to be repossessed, where has all the money gone? Tensions escalate as they race to find it, uncovering ugly truths and shocking family secrets along the way.
Inspired by true events, WORTH takes a darkly comic look at family loss and sibling rivalry. Straddling two cultures, this biting new comedy asks the question – where do you put your worth?
Artistic Director of New Earth Theatre, Kumiko Mendl, said: “I’m thrilled that New Earth and Storyhouse have come together to produce the world première of Joanne Lau’s WORTH. Developed through our Professional Writers Programme and arriving hot on the heels of The Apology, I am so proud that New Earth continues to champion BESEA writing of such calibre. WORTH is a piece that not only brings into sharp focus the complex emotions of loss and grief but also asks us to re-examine what we truly value in a time of crisis.”
Writer Joanne Lau added: “When I was writing WORTH in 2019, little did I imagine it’d be premièring at a time when the themes of loss and grief would be particularly poignant and fresh for so many (myself included). My original urge to write this story was simply to entertain and engage.
“I’m so grateful to New Earth Theatre and Chester Storyhouse for a chance to talk about this subject and its impact, and hopefully help others like me feel less alone, ashamed, and invisible. In a time where anti-Asian hate crimes have soared, some of us need extra courage to stand up and fight back, not just for ourselves, but also for our community.”
For more information and tickets, visit newearththeatre.org.uk
