1. 《LIFE+》Magazine
  2. 《LIFE+》Magazine Issue List
  3. Spring 2024 Issue
  4. Performing artists, Stars born to shine
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    19 April 2024
    Watching Enjoy Yourself Tonight, a long-running variety show in Hong Kong, with family after dinner was a household phenomenon in the last century. While this undeniably remains one of the most cherished collective memories of the local community, the fun-filled content had brightened the daily lives of many, including Perrie Lai. “As a child, I perceived it as a playground brimming with happiness, and I was inspired to be part of it,” she fondly recounts.
    Pierre Lai

    The performing arts has the power to connect. On stage and off, performers and audiences are bound together in shared emotional experiences, with their hearts beating as one. The magic it creates has since enriched Perrie’s life and
 has become a driving force behind her aspiration to be an ambassador. A few years ago, she joined her alma mater, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), as Head of Student Recruitment and Community Engagement, with the mission of introducing this “treasure” to secondary students.

    “It works wonder on students. Not only will they shine on stage, but also achieve breakthroughs. No parents will leave the theatre without being touched by their child’s energy and passion,” the art lover elaborates.

    The arts is for all. To enhance accessibility, especially for teenagers, HKAPA presents Creative Journey outreach programme every year, offering secondary students free admission to an array of performances at its Wanchai campus. These include Chinese opera, dance, drama, film and television, and concerts, all produced and performed by its talented students.

    “Since all performers are HKAPA students, it makes the various art forms more relatable to our young audiences. It may even inspire them to consider pursuing this path,” Perrie remarks.

    The Creative Journey this year, sponsored by Chinachem Group, features an exciting addition – a radio programme alongside the conservatoire’s in-house performances, film screenings, workshops and guided exhibition visits. HKAPA alumni will delight members of the public with their amusing personal stories on air, which will be made available online after the radio broadcast. Running till July this year, the outreach programme has already benefitted nearly a thousand youngsters since its launch last September.

    Being a performing artist is never easy. As an alumna of the inaugural class of HKAPA School of Drama, Perrie is deeply moved by the admirable persistence displayed by younger graduates and current students in the pursuit of their dreams. Thanks to social media, the new generation now enjoys more cross-disciplinary performing opportunities and greater autonomy in sharing their works. Perrie has this to say to young people aspiring to be artists, “If you believe in your talents, you have to give it a try.” Reflecting on her own artistic journey, which saw her transitioning from frontline roles, such as actress and DJ, to an administrative one, she
 is grateful for the chances to contribute and shine on different stages.

    “By holding onto your belief in the performing arts, it will undoubtedly blossom into a lifelong career, leading to a profound transformation in your life.”

    Performing artists, Stars born to shine

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