By Molly Magennis
A new cross cultural rom-com stage show is heading to Melbourne’s west, premiering in Footscray next week.
‘Dear Mama, There’s Something Maybe I Should Tell You…’ tells the story of a Taiwanese immigrant named Li-Ting who leaves the familiarity of her hometown to follow her heart and her dreams in Melbourne. There she finds herself trying to balance her new life and a different culture with her own Taiwanese heritage.
The story is semi-autobiographical, based on writer Lansy Feng’s own experiences when she came to Australia almost 10 years ago.
“[Li-Ting’s] from a very conservative country, a strict family. Her parents are just very traditional Asian, typical type of parents that are very strict with all the rules and stuff,” Feng said.
“So she has been wanting to get out of there, so she lied to her mom and escaped and jumped on a plane and flew to Melbourne to meet this guy that she met online and also to chase her music dream.
“My story is slightly different. I did run away from home and my parents didn’t know, I told them I’m going to school in the south of Taiwan for two weeks. Then I flew to Australia to meet this friend I had met before…..so I flew all the way here just to see her.”
While Feng returned to Taiwan after the two weeks was up, she managed to return to Australia a year later where she’s lived ever since.
The show will be performed in three languages, English, French and Mandarin and will feature original songs.
‘Dear Mama’ will have its opening night on Thursday April 28 at Bluestone Church Arts Space, Footscray.
For more information and to book tickets visit www.witinc.com.au/shows/dear-mama-2022.
