Fyodor Dostoevsky penned his famous novel Crime and Punishment in 1866 as Russian society was gripped by turmoil. In this newly adapted stageplay, the story is shifted from 19th-century Russia to a contemporary setting. The adaptation stars Leung Tin-chak as the murderer and Ben Yuen as the chief inspector, who are locked in a fierce battle of wits over their personal visions of justice. In an interview with FestMag, the two actors delved into the profound moral conflicts between their characters, uncovering the timeless essence of human nature.
The plot centres on Edward Lai, an impoverished dropout who, obsessed with achieving "extraordinary" justice, commits the ultimate crime. However, after eliminating the victim he deems a "social parasite", he becomes tormented by guilt. Leung Tin-chak, who plays the lead role, describes Lai as "aloof—a common trait among the young, clinging to the confidence and drive they had before entering society. He sees things in absolutes, but when reality doesn't align with his imagined ideals, he's left feeling lost and in pain. This is the turmoil of youth—a mindset that Lai frequently embodies." Leung adds that Lai, at just 18 or 19 years old, is the youngest character he has ever played, making it a unique challenge to reconnect with a youthful mindset. In preparation, he watched numerous interviews with secondary school and university students to gain insights into their perspectives.
To fully immerse themselves in their roles, both Leung and his co-star, Ben Yuen, revisited the original novel, dissecting the complex layers of its characters. Yuen, who plays Chief Inspector Arthur Tung, explains his character's scheming approach as he tries various methods to coax a confession from Lai. "His ultimate goal isn't to arrest or punish him, but to free him from the torment of his conscience. Tung sees potential in Lai from an essay he once wrote and wants him to understand the true meaning of 'right and wrong'. This essentially comes down to human kindness and conscience."
On the surface, Chief Inspector Tung appears shrewd and composed, yet he grows increasingly exasperated as unrelated individuals come forward to confess to the crime. "He can't understand why they are so eager to play the hero," Yuen says. "This desire to be a hero existed even a century ago, and that's what drew me to this role. At 50 or 60, Tung is a man driven by a mission to care for the next generation."
In line with the original novel, Edward Lai's character is portrayed in a rather unappealing light. He is not only impoverished and physically worn, but also exhibits eccentric habits, struggles with communication and experiences emotional volatility. Leung observes: "What's interesting is that Lai's unfiltered state actually resonates with people's inner lives. Perhaps it's his refusal to disguise his feelings that makes him so unlikeable. In contrast to modern society's tendency to suppress emotions, Lai may be less repressed than many of us today."
The script, written by renowned British playwright Phillip Breen, was commissioned and produced by the Hong Kong Arts Festival. Despite the century-old origins of the original story, Leung found much that remained familiar. "How much have society's views on social standing, wealth inequality, or marginalised groups—such as the poor, sex workers, alcoholics and those with mental issues—really changed? There still seems to be a sense of distance. Even with technological advances, views on religion, morality and justice remain deeply ingrained. The protagonist's frustration and anger at injustice in the world have not faded with time."
On stage, the two actors engage in a spirited debate over morality and justice. Yet despite acting opposite Yuen, a seasoned performer with awards from the Hong Kong Film Awards and the Golden Horse Awards, Leung says he did not feel any pressure. The two actors share a longstanding friendship, having met at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, where Yuen was pursuing a Master's in Directing, and Leung was completing his Bachelor's in Performance. They even played football together. Reflecting on their previous collaboration, a 2014 revival of Tonnochy, Leung says he is excited about reuniting after a decade as adversaries on stage. "As a freelance actor for years, I'm thrilled to take on a lead role in a production of this big scale," he says. Yuen shares his confidence in Leung's performance, remarking: "Since graduating, he's collaborated with many theatre companies. I've witnessed his growth all along. He's like a reservoir, ready to channel his talent, and this role serves as the perfect outlet."
Yuen is equally excited about this play. Despite his recent success in film and television, Yuen, who has worked in the theatre since the 1980s, insists on doing at least one stage production each year. "The stage remains my roots and I have a sentimental attachment to it. It provides me with a cleansing period, a chance to ground myself amid the fast-paced entertainment industry." he says.
Crime and Punishment
Date: 21-23 Mar 2025
Venue: Lyric Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
