Lauzone ~ OzAsia Festival ~ Review

[Cabaret, Aus] Lauzone Anna Lo and Rick Lau Nexus Arts Theatre Fri 24 Oct, 2025 It was clear from the outset that Anna Lo and Rick Lau are seasoned performers. An early microphone glitch provided some unexpected light comedy that morphed seamlessly into the rest of the show. Many migrants will tell you how annoying it is to be asked every day of their life ‘where are you from?’ Turns out it’s also a common question in Hong Kong as many HKers come from outside Canton on the Chinese mainland or elsewhere in Asia – these are the people from the Lauzone. Rick Lau takes on the role of narrator as he guides us through his own personal account of life in Hong Kong and Australia. The stories are interspersed with bright original songs written by himself and Anna Lo. They sit mostly within the soft rock category and provided a more in-depth perspective on the duality of migrant life. Expressive lyrics are projected above the stage in Chinese dialects and English. Both Lau and Lo are accomplished singers, and quite at home singing light-hearted ditties or more serious sentimental numbers. A song written almost entirely in Australian cliches (she’ll be right mate, etc) was really clever.  Lau’s story and song about his mother and her favourite cow was a respectful blend of affection and humour. Lo and Lau were supported by a backing band who for the most part were kept in the musical background but the occasional use of cello to signal a more contemplative mood was really effective. A song about time and the nature of existence was quite lovely, but another song that used clothing and fabrics as a parallel metaphor for the threads of existence was less accessible. Therein lay a problem. Anna Lo’s lyrics contain many cultural referents drawn from her Chinese heritage. Anyone who has tried to write poetry in a second language will know how hard it is. The metaphorical nature of poetry, and song lyrics, can render them more difficult to comprehend than prose. The projected translations of the lyrics in English were often obtuse and difficult to follow. But ultimately this delightful, instructive tribute to life in Hong Kong and proud declaration of HK identity was a real treat. Some great songs and plenty of humour conducted by a very talented duo. 4 stars Michael Coghlan Lauzone contrinues at Nexus Arts Centre at 7.00 pm until Sat 25 Oct. Book tickets HERE.