A cat walks on Kilburn High Road.
Underneath a pine tree, the cat meets itself walking on Dongfeng Road in its hometown.
From that moment, memories flashback, two cities merge.
Walking Cats is an autobiographical performance exploring homesickness and migrant identity using live feed, object theatre, paper collages and soundscape, taking the audience on an intimate and magical journey with stories from the heart about family and hometown.
Using colour, patterns and sound to switch between memory and reality, the show investigates homesickness and migrant identity between Dongfeng Town and London in delicate miniature form. Sharing the heartbeat with the cats, the performer narrates the walking cats’ story operating toys and papers, switching camera angles with affectionate memories of family, childhood, hometown and connections in a time of isolation during the lockdown. Immersed in visual storytelling, the audience are invited to feel the heartbeat of the cats and papers on the screen and of the performer on stage.
Commissioned by LAMDA MishMash Festival. Supported by Arts Council England, Curious School of Puppetry, The Space, Omnibus Theatre, Tramshed and Rumah.
Story & Performed by: Zhaolin Zhou
Collaborator & Sound Designer: Tingying Dong
Producer & Dramaturg: Yuyu Wang
Scenographer: Tung Kwok
R&D Videographer: Xi Chen
Please note this is performed in the CPT Basement Space (accessible via lift).
“Such a crucial part of the UK theatre ecology… Developing artists and audiences”
The Guardian
