What’s the event about?
Former Asian cinema icon Rin Asari has been living a low-profile life in Dublin for years. Once poised for global fame, Rin vanished from the spotlight just as her first English-language film was set to launch. Now, in 2014, a chance encounter with an Irish expat named Tara rekindles Rin’s connection to her past. When a new film offer comes calling, Rin must confront the history and choices she left behind in order to reclaim the voice she once shared with the world. This heartfelt narrative explores identity, sacrifice, and the pull of stardom as Rin weighs a comeback against the life she’s built in quiet anonymity.
What to expect
The Madonna of Asia is a visually striking multilingual drama created by Linbury Prizewinner Choy-Ping Ní Chléirigh-Ng (吳彩萍). Drawing inspiration from vibrant Hong Kong cinema aesthetics, the production fuses dynamic projected imagery with live theatrical performance to immerse the audience in Rin’s journey. Expect a rich multilingual experience – the play is performed in English, Cantonese, and Japanese, with clear English subtitles ensuring every audience member can follow the action. Esteemed performers Mai Ishikawa and Clare Barrett lead the cast, bringing depth and authenticity to the cultural and emotional nuances of the story. Presented by The New Theatre in association with LemonSoap Productions, this show offers a culturally unique perspective and a truly international collaboration on the Irish stage.
Key Details
Dates & Times: 28 April – 2 May 2026, nightly at 19:30 (7:30pm)
Venue: The New Theatre, 43 Essex Street East, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Duration: 1 hour (no interval)
Languages: Performed in English, Cantonese & Japanese (English surtitles provided)
Creators: Written & directed by Choy-Ping Ní Chléirigh-Ng (Linbury Prize winner)
Cast: Mai Ishikawa, Clare Barrett
Produced by: The New Theatre (Dublin) in association with LemonSoap Productions
