ENGAGING PARTICIPANTS
Overall, it was more challenging but given that the substantive nature of my work did not change much (that is, acting is still acting regardless of whether a live audience is present or not) I would say that personally, the pandemic affected me the least.
Daniel Cheng
• Professional actor
• A Tale of Two Cities Podcast; The Tale of Robin Hood – TranXmedia Edition; Young Company: Three Queens
Having been through this tedious trial that was COVID-19, I feel like there was an unprecedented desire to be with people. With quarantine and social-distancing, never before have humans felt a greater need to meet and share their feelings and emotions. Different art forms offer ways of expression for the artist, and for the audience to receive that shared sentiment.
Dominic Lee Shing Yuen
• Young actor & Teaching assistant
• Young Company: Three Queens; SCOLAR’s Becoming a Detective for Secondary Schools
The arts are and have always been an integral part of society. Having a creative outlet and a way to explore new ideas is always something the arts have facilitated. COVID has highlighted the need to communicate, think critically and understand other cultures; something that is inherent in the arts. Drama allows you to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and understand life from a different perspective; something we all need to do now more than ever.
Heather Cooper
• Tutor
• Young Theatre Makers; SCOLAR’s Story Monster for Primary Schools; Becoming a Detective for Secondary Schools
While learning virtually was very different compared to learning face to face, it was still the best alternative we had, and AFTEC made it work! I appreciated how Bravo! did not cancel all activities but in fact we could still train and even got the chance to attend the final audition!
Sham Pui Yan, Peony
• Young actor
• Young Company: Three Queens; Voice & Combat Training
The arts are very important in post-COVID times, it gives people hope and positivity to rebuild and recover from the most difficult times. It helps entertain and improve wellbeing. Furthermore, the arts can serve as documentation of this most exceptional time for future generations to have a glimpse into a period that they may not be able to imagine.
Peony Sham’s mum
• Parent
In 2020, we went from face-to-face learning to online learning. I don’t like online learning because it disrupts the communication between teachers and students, especially when some choose not to turn their cameras on or only type their comments rather than actually talk to each other. I think it reduced motivation for learning.
Peter So
• Young actor
• Young Company: Three Queens; Voice & Combat Training
The arts can heal. Our physical body may be quarantined but not our creativity. Reading a good book, drawing or watching a drama can release us from a place of physical confinement to a world of imagination. We are re-connected when we resonate with each other while experiencing the arts.
Helen Xiao
• Medical Student, The University of Hong Kong
Online learning makes you more creative and more conscious of whether the class is engaging. It amazed me that even within the constraints of a virtual environment, how much we could adapt and be creative.
Alison Chan
• Architect
• Jockey Club YouthCreate Series: The Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection “Arts for Change” Project
The arts can be an ideal lens for our clients to view the world through their senses and reflection; to gain an understanding of the world’s problems and challenges but also an appreciation of life’s beauty and possibilities; also to discover a renewed sense of man’s place in the world and to enjoy life.
Anthony Cheuk
• Social Worker – Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong – Hin Keng Centre
• Jockey Club Youth Create Series: The Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection “Arts for Change” Project
During COVID, the arts allowed our imagination to blossom and to connect with each other. We created things to represent ourselves and express our feelings.
Cheung Hei Lam
• Participant, Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong – Hin Keng Centre – Playground workshop
• Jockey Club YouthCreate Series: The Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection “Arts for Change” Project
I think the “Arts for Change” Project is not at an end but in fact represents the beginning of a journey with the arts. The programme sparked my interest in the arts and widened my vision. I am keen to continue participating in online and in person activities.
Chung Sai Kit
• Participant, TWGHs Jockey Club Lei Tung Integrated Services Centre – Dance Sing Angels
• Jockey Club YouthCreate Series: The Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection “Arts for Change” Project
It seems to me the arts has the capacity to give pleasure. During COVID we were unable to go out much. I saw that many teachers used AFTEC’s activities with their students so that they could be shared and enjoyed with family members.
Cheung Lok Ping
• Teacher, Caritas Mother Teresa School
• Jockey Club “Arts & Actions” Project – The Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection “Arts for Empowerment”
Students who are normally quieter during class became more active during online learning. Although virtual classes meant there was a greater distance between people, this in fact allowed some students to feel more secure and more confident to explore and discover new things.
Gabbie Chan Hiu Ling
• Theatre-In-Education Tutor
• Jockey Club “Arts & Actions” Project – The Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection “Arts for Empowerment”
I am a volunteer with the Sm-ART online classes. I really liked interactive learning and keeping contact with the students in spite of the pandemic. The students would look at the material given by Ms Chu beforehand and discuss it during class. Everyone got to experience a new way of learning. The work the students presented online was outstanding.
Ann Chau
• Volunteer
• Sm-ART Youth Project
Creating art during the pandemic gave us an outlet because it allowed us to express ourselves and gave us enjoyment.
Chan Hang Yu
• P5 Student, St. Bonaventure Catholic Primary School
• Sm-ART Youth Project
During 2020 all our classes including Sm-ART took place online. I really did not like it and thought it was boring not being able to take part in activities in real life. There were just too many restrictions with virtual activities.
Lin Yue Hua
• P6 Student, Ma On Shan St. Joseph’s Primary School
• Sm-ART Youth Project
The arts, especially drawing and music, helped to get rid of some of the negative emotions the pandemic brought up, like unhappiness, boredom and anger.
Chan Pui Wa
• P5 Student, Christian & Missionary Alliance Sun Kei Primary School (Ping Shek)
• Sm-ART Youth Project
Compared to in person learning, online classes are not ideal as students can only learn visually rather than physically experience and implement their learning in real life.
Mak Tsz Fung
• Teacher, St. Bonaventure Catholic Primary School
• Sm-ART Youth Project
After COVID, we were finally able to take part in arts activities in real life again. For example, I was so pleased to take part in the Sm-ART Youth workshop. I made new friends and learned new things. Recently I discovered new artworks in the neighbourhood. These post-pandemic developments gave a sense of renewal and made everyone happy.
Harry Chen
• P6 Student, The Mission Covenant Church Holm Glad No. 2 Primary School
• Sm-ART Youth Project
