- Co-opted Member of Performing Arts Committee
Renowned multi-talented artist in the field of Asian contemporary theatre, Ms Yan is a leading dramaturg, director, actress and educator all in one. Her works are wittily poetic, rooted in love and concern and always reaching out to touch people’s heart. Her achievements in theatre are well-recognized among the industry and the audience. She has received numerous industry prizes including Hong Kong Arts Development Awards Artist of the Year (DRAMA) (2014) and Rising Artist Award (Drama) (2003), Asian Cultural Council scholarship (1999), Hong Kong Drama Awards Best Actress (2000 & 2005) and Best Supporting Actress (1993).
Ms Yan cofounded Theatre Ensemble in 1993 and following PIP cultural Industries in 2008, had created numerous influential theatre productions, earning her substantial exposure in other Asian cities. In 2011, Ms Yan established O Theatre Workshop to distinguish her vision and collaborations with artists from different disciplines. In 2013, she joined hands with Wong Chau Sang Anthony to found Dionysus Contemporary Theatre (DCT). It is a collaboration among commercial enterprises and extinguished local artists that has accumulated over 50,000 audiences within a few years since its establishment. Its well-received productions have received invitations to be staged twice in Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts (Singapore). Ms Yan also endeavours to promote local artist development. Besides training young actors personally, she invites international masters to give workshops and create works with local artists in Hong Kong.
She is recently working with Tai Kwun, in collaboration with an international theatre master David Glass, artists, scholars and communities to create “ELAN Lost Child Project HK”, looking into the mental health of youngsters and grown-ups through the power of performing arts and story-telling, inspire hope and new directions in the arts for the future.
Ms Yan has recently accepted the invitation from David Glass Ensemble, an artist led international theatre company in Europe, as an associated artist in 2021.
