Shiver me timbers! A groundbreaking new musical is preparing to set sail in London, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. “Asian Pirate Musical: In Concert” is a genre-defying production that blends history, futurism, and social commentary into a thrilling theatrical adventure. We caught up with director Zhui Ning Chang to learn more about this exciting project, brought to life by the collaborative efforts of Chang, Frey Kwa Hawking, Jade Leamcharaskul, Sarita Lewis, Nemo Martin, and XANA, and what drives them as a director.
The seeds of “Asian Pirate Musical” were sown in 2019 when Chang and co-creator Nemo Martin bonded over their shared love of musical theatre, science fiction, and maritime tales. “I had an idea for a time travel story featuring Asian pirates from the past and future,” Chang explains, “and Nemo suggested applying to VAULT Festival 2020 to share a work-in-progress based on that concept.”
The musical draws inspiration from the real-life exploits of 14th-century explorer Zheng He and 19th-century pirate queen Sek Yeong, as well as the fictional adventures of Southeast Asian space pirates, weaving their stories into a futuristic narrative set against the backdrop of climate change. “We thought it would be cool to explore what ‘Asia’ and Asian oceans meant to different people in different time periods,” says Chang.
One of the most striking aspects of “Asian Pirate Musical” is its commitment to diverse and inclusive representation. The cast features Asian actors of all ages and genders, including non-binary performers. Chang explains, “We wanted to create multiple roles for Asian actors across playing age and gender, and to challenge the often white-dominated depictions of the future in science fiction.” By showcasing a diverse range of characters, the musical aims to break down stereotypes and provide greater visibility for Asian artists and stories. Additionally, the production explores themes of decolonization, challenging traditional Western notions of musical theatre and incorporating elements from Asian musical traditions.
The musical’s score is as diverse as its cast, blending traditional Asian instruments such as Javanese gamelan with contemporary pop and indie rock influences. “Our influences range from Asian pop to Les Misérables to video game soundtracks—it’s a melting pot of all we know from our diaspora and migrant backgrounds,” Chang explains.
The Director’s Vision
For Chang, directing is about empowering marginalized voices and creating a space where they can thrive. “Early on in my theatre career,” they share, “I realised that a director and/or producer has some limited authority to advocate for who will be in the room – in terms of creative team, casting, etc. – and to facilitate a space that allows those people to flourish. I wanted to be in a position where I could fight for that space for artists from marginalised backgrounds.”
Bringing this ambitious project to the stage has not been without its challenges. Fundraising has been difficult over the five years of the musical’s development. Moreover, as a script-in-hand concert performance, the production relies heavily on sound and lighting to create atmosphere. “A few key action scenes will be simplified as actors have script in hand,” Chang acknowledges, “but I hope the shape of the story will still be conveyed to audiences.”
Despite the challenges, Chang finds immense reward in directing “Asian Pirate Musical.” It has been a long and arduous journey, but every time they return to the project, they find renewed joy, excitement, and a deep sense of meaning. They cherish the collaborative process, the talented team, and the shared passion for bringing this unique and groundbreaking musical to life.
Chang hopes that “Asian Pirate Musical” will not only entertain audiences but also leave them with a deeper understanding of Asian history and culture. “We also hope that producers and programmers will enjoy the concert and support us towards a future life for APM as a full production,” they add. Most importantly, they want audiences “to have a good time at the theatre! We hope it will feel original and iconic… and that you will be invigorated to look into the historical characters and to look up more about Southeast Asia’s rich maritime history and current climate issues.”
To further expand the reach of “Asian Pirate Musical,” the creative team has launched a crowdfunding campaign to produce a studio cast recording of the show’s 18 songs. “Producing a studio album will allow us to have all 18 musical numbers recorded in a professional studio, mixed and mastered, as a tangible takeaway from 5 years of development,” Chang explains. The crowdfunding campaign aims to make the music accessible to a wider audience, including those who cannot attend the live performances.
Don’t Miss Out!
Asian Pirate Musical: In Concert is a swashbuckling adventure that will transport you to a world of pirates, time travel, and climate change. With its diverse cast, genre-bending music, and powerful message, this is a must-see show for anyone who loves musical theatre, history, or simply a good story. Catch it at Pleasance Theatre, London on November 21st and 22nd. Book your tickets now and prepare to be amazed! And be sure to check out their crowdfunding page to support the creation of their studio cast recording.
Feature Image: Chris Locke
