Share
“We, The Four Golden Avengers, helping the poor with hearts of trust. Fighting for justice with all our might, chasing villains far from sight!”
As the uplifting melody echoes through the theatre, a troupe of silver-haired performers takes to the stage with poise and energy. Their dance movements are elegant, their voices resonant. Though in the autumn of their lives, they exude vigor and agility. These seniors are the stars of The Four Golden Avengers, a musical brought to life by the “Sage Players professional performing arts program.”
For many of these elderly performers, the dream of stepping onto the stage and expressing themselves through performance has been a lifelong aspiration. Now in its sixth year, this inspiring programme – organised by Arts’ Options and supported by Link Together Initiatives – offers structured, professional theatrical training to older adults who wish to explore the performing arts.
This year marks a significant milestone for the programme as it ventures into musical theatre for the very first time. Through this creative and inclusive initiative, golden-agers are not only honing their talents but also rediscovering purpose, community and joy.
The Four Golden Avengers follows the tale of four elderly individuals, once legends in their own right, now residents of a care home. Their quiet lives take an unexpected turn when they stumble upon a clumsy thief attempting a bank robbery. Turning the tables, the quartet takes him hostage and presents a list of comically unconventional demands, setting the stage for a heart-warming and whimsical adventure.
Elderly performer Au Kwok-hung takes on the role of Dozen boy, a former marathon champion who once represented Hong Kong in international competitions. After an accident leaves him with a permanent limp, he becomes a humble delivery worker. “Dozen boy’s journey is a poignant one,” Au reflects. “Despite life’s highs and lows, he remains optimistic and finds purpose once again. His story truly resonates with me.”
Lo Wah-chi, who portrays Sean, finds deep personal meaning in his character’s resilience. Blinded by diabetes, Sean chooses not to retreat into despair but instead embraces life with renewed determination and appreciation for the world around him. “There was a time I feared going blind,” Lo admits. “But playing Sean made me realise that life still offers choices. We can choose joy, meet new people and live meaningfully. This role has completely transformed my perspective.”
When asked what drew them to take part in this musical production, many of the performers cited the rare and exciting opportunity to challenge themselves in new and meaningful ways.
Eric Chan Kam-wah, who plays Tornado, reflects: “Musical theatre has been a considerable challenge for me.” Embodying the character of a loyal and warm-hearted elder stirred a strong sense of recognition. “Tornado’s story echoes my own. I grew up during Hong Kong’s economic boom, but as the years passed, I was gradually ushered into retirement. His experience mirrors much of what I’ve been through.”
For Jimmy Tsang Yiu-man, who portrays the hapless Foolglar, the role presented both artistic and physical demands. “Although my character is a failure, he’s not without heart – I’m genuinely fond of him,” he shares. “The most difficult part was the singing and dancing. At our age, our joints aren’t what they used to be!” Yet, with steadfast encouragement from the director and fellow cast members, Jimmy persevered. “I’m truly thankful for the patience and support of our director and coaches – they kept me going when I might otherwise have faltered.”
Brenda Chan Kwai-fun, Artistic Director of Arts’ Options, explains that the motivation behind creating this musical was to open new artistic pathways for senior citizens. “My hope is to see older adults engaging with a variety of performance genres – not just sticking to one,” she says. “When they step beyond their comfort zones, their creative outlook expands, and their passion for performance is reignited.”
Guest director Kenson Chan Wing-chuen adds: “I often remind the cast that theatre is, at heart, a shared adventure. The journey doesn’t always lead to success – and that’s perfectly fine. What truly matters is the act of participation.” He continues: “Watching these actors, many of whom started with no prior experience, grow into their roles and express authentic emotion through music and movement – that in itself is profoundly moving.”
The passion and dedication of everyone involved – both on stage and behind the scenes – shone through clearly during the interview. As the lyrics movingly proclaim: “The mighty waves keep washing the sands, washing away the past and youthful prime. People grow old, why be surprised? Even at seventy or eighty, one can still live gracefully, refined.” With each performance, these golden-age artists not only bring laughter and inspiration to their audiences but also send a powerful message: that age is no barrier to following one’s dreams. In life’s later chapters, it is still possible to flourish with radiant poise and purpose.
