👥 WHO IS BEHIND IT?
This thought-provoking performance was created by Brandon Zang (author) and Ling Lin (director) as part of the MFA Directing graduation season at East 15 Acting School, University of Essex, UK.
The premiere took place on 4 October 2024 at the Corbett Theatre in Loughton.
Link to the event on the school’s website:
🔗 east15.ac.uk/productions-and-events/2024/10/04/three-wise-monkeys
🧠 THE SYMBOLISM OF THE THREE MONKEYS IN A MODERN INTERPRETATION
The titular Three Wise Monkeys – see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil – is an ironic reversal of the traditional message of wisdom and restraint.
Instead of turning away from evil, the characters of the play confront brutal reality and their own fears.
The motif of the Three Monkeys is used here as a symbol of silence, denial of truth, and cultural disorientation faced by young people living “between worlds.”
📜 WHAT IS THIS PLAY ABOUT?
The action takes place in the near future in New York.
At Jacky’s apartment, a party is underway to celebrate the launch of his new app. The unexpected arrival of his sister – Meiru – completely changes the course of the evening.
Amid alcohol, Chinese cigarettes, and pig’s ears, the characters begin to uncover questions of identity, wounds, and unresolved generational issues.
The narrative is filled with strong symbolism, absurd humor, and a clash of cultures.
⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS
The play is intended for audiences 18+ and contains difficult and provocative themes:
– alcohol abuse, violence, sexism, racism, homophobia, explicit language, elements of BDSM.
This is not an easy play – but it is bold, honest, and highly relevant.
🖼️ POSTER AND GRAPHIC DESIGN
The play was promoted with a simple yet striking graphic depicting the classic Three Monkeys in a stylized illustration – each covering a different sense.
It’s a reference to the motif “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”, but also raises the question: can we really stay silent and look away in today’s world?
💬 DO YOU KNOW THE CREATORS OF THIS PLAY?
Do you know anyone involved in this production? Maybe you attended the performance or are studying at East 15?
We’d love to get in touch with the creators or participants to ask a few questions or even conduct an interview.
Write to us!
📧 CONTACT US
Do you have a poster, photos, or a link to the show?
Add the title, place, and year — we’ll handle the rest.
Email: welcome [at] threemonkeys.center
Form: Contact page