Bringing South African theatre to Hong Kong: SAAHK talks to theare duo Lymari Alberts and Jan Brink
From the City of Roses to Asia’s World City, home-grown acting, producing and directing duo, Lymari Alberts and Jan Brink, have been making waves in the theatre world both locally and internationally. Credited with bringing the first ever Afrikaans theatre production to Hong Kong, Lymari and Jan have been making the South African community in Hong Kong extremely proud these past few months. With their second theatre production, Lungs, debuting in Hong Kong on 12 November 2017 (in both English and Afrikaans), we thought we’d meet up with this dynamic duo to find out more.
Where in South Africa are you from?
What brought you to Hong Kong?
For Lymari, the traffic on Republic Road in Johannesburg one fine morning on the way to work would be the shortest answer. “I was looking for opportunities to travel and stay in the theatre industry. Hong Kong provided that opportunity.” In keeping with the trend, Jan followed Lymari. “But as they say, the grass is always greener on the other side, and in Hong Kong, it literally is. Anyone can see the appeal.”
How long have you lived in Hong Kong?
Lymari has been here for a year and a handful of days, while Jan has only been in Hong Kong for about four months.
Do you both work in the theatre industry in Hong Kong?

What did you do in the South African entertainment industry before coming to Hong Kong?
What is your favourite thing about Hong Kong?

What do you miss most about South Africa?
Lymari: There is a super unique culture and vibrancy in Braamfontein; it doesn’t have a face or a name or a language, but it’s so authentically South African that it becomes tangible and addictive. I miss being part of that culture. Also, the Mystic Boer in Bloemfontein, art galleries in Maboneng District, Meiringspoort waterfall and Mango Atchar kotas in Soweto.
Jan: South Africa is a pretty rock and roll country. It’s like a teenager. It does things its own way, solving its problems based on improvisation rather than set methods. It still has a lot to learn in the global scheme of things, being a young democracy, and I miss being a part of the history it’s making now. Then again, I also miss my friends and family. And the high-quality steak. Not this willy-nilly stuff imported from Australia.
Tell us more about your past, current and future projects and plans in Hong Kong.
Want to get your South African theatre fix? Book your tickets to Lungs today!
Lungs will be performed at The Hive Studios in Kennedy Town on Sunday, 12 November 2017. There will be two performances on the day.
3pm – Longe (Afrikaans performance)
7pm – Lungs (English performance)
Tickets are available at:
https://www.ticketflap.com/lungs?_ga=2.241081667.1356196014.1507861823-1379889281.1507074986
SAAHK members are entitled to a 15% ticket discount to both performances. Please email saahkinfo@gmail.com to receive the discount code before booking your tickets.
More about Lungs:
Actor and actress, Hilletje Bashew Möller and Jan Brink star in the Hong Kong premiere of this internationally acclaimed modern relationship drama – a witty, tender and profound love story by award-winning British writer Duncan Macmillan.
Last year, the Free State National Arts Festival awarded the production directed by South African director JP du Plessis, for Best Upcoming Talent 2016. The same production team will be in Hong Kong for one day only to mesmerise Hong Kong audiences.
If you would like to be featured / know of someone who would like to be featured in SAAHK Spotlight On please contact us at enquiries@saahk.org