Following the success of its opening run in April, Distressed Asset is having its second run in May. We go behind the scenes with the playwright and director, Candice Moore, to gain insight into her creative process in transposing a notorious true crime case onto the stage.
Founded by Candice Moore in 2010, Sweet & Sour Productions is a theatre company that produces professional English-language theatre in Hong Kong. Its latest work, Distressed Asset, is yet another brainchild of Moore. Putting a fictional and dramatic spin onto the infamous Milkshake Murder case, Moore is unifying her love for the theatre, Hong Kong, and true crime in her new play. Find out how she juggles multiple roles as the playwright, producer, and performer of Distressed Asset – coming soon to Sheung Wan Civic Centre Lecture Hall on 8 to 11 May.
Behind the scenes with Candice Moore of Sweet & Sour Productions
How is Distressed Asset inspired by the Milkshake Murder in Hong Kong? What drew you to write a play about this particular true crime case?
I’m a huge lover of true crime cases. I find the psyche and mindset of offenders fascinating. Distressed Asset is a work of fiction inspired by the Nancy Kissel Milkshake Murder case. I returned to live in Hong Kong that year (2003) and this case was all over the news. I closely followed the trial and realised this murder case could be the starting point of an incredible story. What goes on behind closed doors in a marriage? Why kill and keep a body in the bedroom for three days? And why not leave a toxic relationship and start again?
How does Distressed Asset stand out from the past projects by Sweet & Sour Productions?
Distressed Asset is the first truly original piece of writing I’ve staged in Hong Kong. The creative process and direction have been collaborative. The cast bonded immediately and we shared ideas, sparking both humour and tragedy. The result was a unique symbiosis: a story of a horrendous murder, punctuated with comic relief. This allows the audience to have a taste of devastation and murder, but also moments of sweet release and much needed laughter, making light of subject matters that are generally considered taboo. Distressed Asset is also the first time I perform in my own work and with my wife onstage.
What are some challenges you’ve faced over the course of this production, and how have you overcome them?
The play skips between the present and fragmented flashbacks, detailing the catastrophic demise of the couple’s relationship. Going back in time was challenging onstage as costume changes were initially messy and disruptive to the flow of the dialogue. Lighting and projections gracefully came to the aid of these differences. Additionally, the pandemic hindered and stilted all production work. But we’re all recovering! I see Hong Kong audiences slowly coming back to the theatre.
As a teller of “Hong Kong stories,” how does the city itself inspire you as a playwright, producer, director, actor, and voice-over artist?
I feel that my passion for true crime, my voice, and my creative writing have only just started to bloom in this vibrant city. There are many incredible true crime cases that have happened here, just waiting for my inspired fictional twist on them. My voice-over artist career is also flourishing and I’m grateful for the many varied work opportunities, particularly in post-pandemic times. New writing and talents are emerging here, and I am so excited to be a part of it!
Get your tickets to Distressed Asset via Popticket.
This post is in partnership with Sweet & Sour Productions Ltd.
