‘Lao Wang The Musical’ explores artificial intelligence and genuine connection

‘Lao Wang The Musical’ depicts the bond between Lin Guoqing (Niko Hugh) and his AI servant Lao Wang, played by Teo Cheong Chik. (D Yang Productions pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Several years ago, theatre director Dylan Yeo was at a kopitiam when he noticed a family sitting next to him. Instead of chatting or bonding, each of the family members was completely absorbed in his or her smartphone. No one spoke to each other for almost 15 minutes.

This prompted Yeo to envision a future where devices completely dominate every facet of society, leaving human connections cold and distant. He began crafting a theatre piece, “Lao Wang The Musical”, to explore these futuristic themes.

“When I first started writing this, AI wasn’t such a big thing yet. But now, the reality of it gradually taking over our lives feels closer than ever. We’ve become so dependent on technology that we often overlook the importance of human connection,” Yeo told FMT Lifestyle.

“Lao Wang The Musical” tells the tale of a teenager, Lin Guoqing, who is raised by his AI servant, the titular Lao Wang, owing to his parents’ long absences. While the two get along well, Guoqing finds it difficult to connect to others.

But then, an unexpected event causes them to get separated. Will Guoqing be able to get by without Lao Wang, and will he be able to find his high-tech friend again?

“Lao Wang The Musical” is presented by D Yang Productions and supported by Akademi Seni Budaya Dan Warisan Kebangsaan (Aswara), Maxilus Music Studio, and The Dramatic Art Society. It will be performed in Mandarin with English surtitles.

Yeo, who composed the music alongside musical director Maxilus Ooi, also serves as the show’s director and writer. The cast comprises Niko Hugh, Charlotte Seow, Teo Cheong Chik, Richard Tan, Kara Yee, Andrew Lim, Lenny Queen, Ng Macky and Ng Yi Qi.

Fun-loving teenager Xiao Chen (Richard Tan) and his second-hand AI Lao Zhang, played by Kara Yee. (D Yang Productions pic)

The show explores themes of emotional detachment in a highly developed technological society, as well as social, cultural and ethnic conflict. It began as a 10-minute work that debuted in the Short & Sweet Musical festival at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre in 2019.

It won multiple prizes, including the Mercedes Benz Award for Creative Excellence. Many audience members gave Yeo positive feedback, which encouraged him to develop it into a full-length show.

“This musical features 12 songs, complemented by original background music. We aim to blend futuristic sounds, representing AI, with traditional Chinese instruments, symbolising human warmth,” Yeo said.

“By combining these unique elements, we hope to offer the audience a fresh and memorable experience.”

One highlight is “Lao Wang and I”, a heartfelt song during which Lao Wang expresses how he would do anything for his young charge. Also keep an ear out for “I Am Your Friend”, which features the character Xiao Chen reassuring Guoqing that everything will turn out all right. According to Yeo, this musical number incorporates elements from Orang Asli culture.

While the story is set in the future, Yeo noted that its production design is majorly influenced by elements of traditional Chinese culture. He hopes this, in combination with the music, creates a fresh visual and auditory experience that redefines the possibilities of local Chinese musical theatre.

Ultimately, Yeo wants audiences to leave the theatre inspired to look at their lives from a new perspective.

“I wish for them to feel warmth. I wish for them to reconnect with their loved ones and have meaningful conversations. I wish for them to use AI wisely. And I wish for them to treat others with kindness,” he concluded.