Amy Ng’s new play, Shanghai Dolls, tells the untold story of Madame Mao and Sun Weishi, two of the most influential women in Chinese history during the Cultural Revolution. It stars Millicent Wong and Gabby Wong with direction from Katie Posner.
With the show now playing at Kiln Theatre, London, in association with Plaines Plough, we caught up with Millicent Wong to find out more about they play and what she hopes audiences take away from the world premiere.
Q&A with Millicent Wong
What can you tell us about Shanghai Dolls?
It’s the story of two young women who meet at an audition, discover their shared passion for the arts, and try to make a future for themselves and keep the friendship going throughout their lives.
There are moments of joy, of laughter and sisterhood, and also moments of confrontation and missed opportunities.
What was it that drew you to the production?
At the heart of Shanghai Dolls, I felt as though it was a story about our search for what our own personal truth is; our belief system and inner guiding compass.
It’s a question I’ve been asking myself more and more recently – how does my art reflect my beliefs and how can I support it as my experience in life continues to change and evolve.
My character, Li Lin, starts as a young 14 year old and we go on a journey with her for another three decades, and I really enjoyed charting how her artistic vision evolved across her lifetime.
How have you approached your role?
I’ve really enjoyed going on a cinematic journey to immerse myself in the time period and landscape this play is set in! Top films include “Lust, Caution” and “Raise The Red Lantern”.
Music is also really important to me, and it’s been surprisingly touching to discover music made during the 1920s-1950s in China, as this would have been the music my grandparents listened to. It makes me feel connected to them again in this way.
Is there anything you hope audiences take away from the show?
For an 80-minute production I feel as though the show hurls the audience through a whirlwind of events!
I hope audiences can immerse themselves in the many unfolding moments, but that they can also discover moments of relatability in the human choices and twists of fate that affect these two women.
Shanghai Dolls is at the Kiln Theatre, London, until 10 May 2025
