Summary
- Taiwan’s Sun Son Theatre stages Lament of the Wandering Head in George Town.
- Production draws inspiration from a Southeast Asian supernatural legend.
- Story explores migration, colonial history, identity and displacement.
- Malaysian and Taiwanese artists combine theatre, movement, chants and live music.
- Performances take place at Bangunan UAB on Aug 7 and 8.
GEORGE TOWN, August 8 — Taiwan-based contemporary performing arts company Sun Son Theatre is bringing its acclaimed experimental production, Lament of the Wandering Head, to George Town Festival 2026.
With two performances at Bangunan UAB on Aug 7 and 8. Inspired by the Southeast Asian supernatural legend of a human head that detaches from its body and wanders at night.
The production reimagines the ghostly tale as a metaphor for migration, displacement and the collective trauma experienced by Chinese diaspora communities caught between nation, ancestry and land.
At the centre of the work is the journey of a Malaysian Chinese woman living and studying in Taiwan, whose experience becomes a lens through which questions of belonging, memory and identity are explored.
The production features Penang-born Low Pei Fen and Kuala Lumpur-born Chang Wei Loy, alongside Taiwanese co-director, playwright and performer Chuang Hui Yun and musician Chen Zi Yin.
Through storytelling, physical movement, chants and live music, the performers move between the roles of actors, dancers and musicians. Taiwanese gongs, cymbals and drums are combined.
With Southeast Asian gong ensembles and flutes, while dialogue moves between Penang Hokkien and Mandarin. Now in its 27th year, Sun Son Theatre is known for integrating traditional influences.
With contemporary physical and musical theatre. The company was co-founded by Sabah-born Malaysian artist Leonson Ng Chong Leong. Whose artistic vision continues to influence its cross-cultural identity following his death in 2021.
Lament of the Wandering Head has been nominated for Taiwan’s prestigious 24th Taishin Arts Award and the Best Independent Spirit category at the 2nd Taipei Theatre Awards.
Its presentation in George Town represents a particularly meaningful homecoming, bringing a work shaped by Malaysian and Taiwanese experiences back to the city connected to one of its performers.
While inviting audiences to reflect on the enduring questions of migration, colonialism, identity and belonging.
