A Golden Cage is a solo play that deeply explores themes of family, love, and self-identity. The protagonist struggles within a life that resembles a gilded cage, where she longs to break free but is constantly tethered by the expectations of her parents and the constraints of society. Through nuanced monologues, the play presents the conflicting emotions of a modern woman caught between the pressures of family and the pursuit of personal freedom, prompting the audience to reflect on issues of female identity.

Before embarking on this emotional journey, the audience will first hear a brief yet profound story – the experience of a fishing family from Sha Kiu Village on High Island. This family, led by women, has transitioned from traditional fishing to running a seafood restaurant, reflecting the tension between tradition and modernity. Their story serves as a symbolic prelude to the play, mirroring the protagonist’s self-exploration and enriching the play’s cultural context.

Through the protagonist’s inner monologue, A Golden Cage reveals the struggles women face when confronted with family and societal expectations, guiding the audience to consider how we seek our true selves in the interplay between traditional and modern life.

Performer’s Introduction:

Founded in 2018 by Gabriella So, Diverse City Studio is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and diversity through performing arts. It has conducted workshops at prestigious institutions such as Cornell University and Harvard Business School, fostering inclusiveness on campuses.

In 2021, the studio produced the one-woman-show “Request Programme,” featuring Gabriella in the opening act for the Solo Play Series sponsored by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The production addressed urban loneliness and its connection to mental health challenges.

Recognising her impactful work, Gabriella was honoured with the West Kowloon Arts Impact Fellowship in 2023. Under this fellowship, she created “Little Thai Forever,” a production that staged the stories of Thai families in Kowloon City, featuring Thai child actors. To further support the artistic development of Thai youths, the studio received the SIE Fund through Oxfam Grant for Good as well as a grant from Soho House Foundation for the 2024/2025 period.