Sunday, 10 May 2026On 1 December, our English Society members banded together for an English excursion to a realm where faded stories breathed and lived. It was not merely a performance but rather a stroll through a collection of animate dreams. Hans Christian Andersen’s imagined worlds were re-enacted before us, renewed on the campus of Hang Seng University.
Taking our first steps into the room was an eye-opening experience. The whole room felt like a mix of magic and fantasy combined with modern technology. We immediately noticed the on-site studio and the floor screen, which formed a synchronised lighting system and a realistic 3D background. The movable camera, which could move to different angles quickly, made the whole process sound much more convenient.
We were first shown the modern re-enactment of The Psyche, in which a young artist struggles with his creations. Through restless attempts, he finally finds the purpose he has sought. The story displays that idealism can torment the talented and result in unnecessary internal pressure. This message was incorporated with superb acting and a realistic backstory. The constant desire to seek perfection is the source of one’s burnout; occasionally, we set an impossibly high standard for ourselves regardless of our circumstances. It is better to get off that high horse and not drown in the unrealistic expectations the world has of you.
Upon the start of The Ugly Duckling, a student is shown seeking a school club that will appreciate his talents. As he is on the verge of deeming himself useless, he comes across the Art Club, where members are awed by his skills. The student, representing the swan, has finally found his place. For this performance, the changing of backgrounds through green screen technology was particularly impressive. The 3D software system helped with the lighting and made everything look like a professional on-screen setup, demonstrating the student’s hard-working mentality as he wandered over campus.
The curtain rose on The Little Match Girl. A poor girl trying her best to survive the night was shown on screen. Two passersby hesitated to help; when one returned the next day, she had already left the cold world behind. This was the most moving part of the performance. Body language was used extensively to convey the girl’s painful situation in a way that engaged the audience imaginatively. The stark contrast between the warm message of kindness and the cold, biting undertones of the plot highlighted the success of the production.
To conclude, a song written and sung by the cast successfully delivered the moral: to bring warmth and happiness through being kind and accepting towards others and yourself. This rendition reminded us that it is imperative to manifest love and compassion in today’s world.