“...It was only a matter of some years. And the many things that happened in those years made them felt as if they have passaged through the cycle of life experiencing all the pain and bliss.” – Eileen Chang

Shanghai in the 1930's.

Eighteen Springs is a tragedy of an ill-fated romance. Shijun and Shuhui, are good friends. Shijun works in a factory where he meets Manjing, an innocent young woman, and they fall in love. However, Shijun's parents had planned for him to marry wealthy Cuizhi, who instead becomes romantically attracted to Shuhui.

Minjing's elder sister Manlu lost her fiancé Yujin, the only man she had ever loved due to his mother's opposition. Later, she became a nightclub hostess to support her family, and met a rich client Hongcai whom she married.

Millions of people cross paths every day, and in the vast ocean of time these seven men and women encountered each other and met their fate. Seven relationships entangled in a span of fourteen years…For young lovers, a few years might seem a lifetime, unlike middle aged people, to whom a decade felt like only a moment.

As transient as images of a magic lantern, as fleeting as a shooting star is our existence on earth. Yet, we cross paths at this very spot and at this very moment in our journey of life, and our eyes meet. I gently ask, "You are here as well?"

Running time approximately 150 minutes without intermission.
Performed in Putonghua, with Chinese and English surtitles

Programme Sponsors: LALIQUE, Fook Ming Tong

Co-Production: Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre

Acknowledgement: PYE, Club Monaco

With authorization from Crown Publishing (H.K.) Ltd.

In support of the “2012/13 Arts Experience Scheme for Senior Secondary Students” presented by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department