Renowned theatre artist Olivia Yan has launched “ÉLAN Eartheatre – Regain The Lost Wings” as part of Lost Child Project Hong Kong to restore children’s physical, mental and spiritual health. This one-and-a-half-year programme brings together artists, nature education experts and mental health experts to tackle nature-deficit disorder in children aged six to 12 and awaken their awareness of nature, life and the environment by bringing “Earth Art x Environmental Friendliness x Immersive Theatre” to life.
Combating nature-deficit disorder
In 2005, esteemed American journalist and bestselling author Richard Louv coined the phrase “nature-deficit disorder” in his book “Last Child in the Woods” to raise public awareness about the vital role of nature experiences in children’s development. This concept highlights the potential consequences of prolonged disconnection from nature, including reduced sensory awareness, lack of focus, diminished curiosity and imagination, as well as emotional issues like depression and anxiety. To tackle nature-deficit disorder, Olivia aspires to create Hong Kong’s first-ever large-scale art event that combines mental wellbeing, performing arts and the beauty of nature for children. This innovative programme, titled “ÉLAN Eartheatre – Regain The Lost Wings”, unfolds in three phases, with the initial phase featuring four captivating workshops that seamlessly integrate nature and art. These workshops include immersive environmental theatre, where drama education and farming come together; a nature-inspired crafts activity at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, where children can observe birds and make bird puppets; a rhythmic workshop that encourages children to craft percussion instruments from recycled materials; and an enchanting environmental music workshop led by a birdwatching expert and an independent singer-songwriter, incorporating bird calls of migratory birds into musical compositions.
The second phase of this programme, to be launched in December, introduces Hong Kong’s first-ever mega environmental immersive theatre festival. As part of the partnership with Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, the four workshops from the first phase will be stationed in different corners of the venue. Participants are invited to immerse themselves in the story of “Regain The Lost Wings” while exploring a wide array of activities, followed by a parade uphill with a giant model of the divine bird in the story returning to its nest and giving birth to vibrant colours. The last part of the programme features school tours and sharing sessions where a documentary of the first and second phases will be showcased on campus to promote the power of art and nature. The four workshops from the first phase are open for free to the public and local school groups, while the immersive theatre festival welcomes all members of the public.
Restoring children’s spiritual values through art and nature
Olivia has always been keen on working with children. Her passion to serve children was manifested in the numerous theatrical productions she created specifically for young audiences. In 2018, she drew inspiration from the Lost Child Project, designed by the internationally renowned physical theatre director and educator David Glass for the United Nations leadership training, and launched the “Lost Child Project Hong Kong”. This initiative aims to raise public awareness about the mental well-being of children and teenagers and restore their spiritual values and sense of happiness. “Where does children’s stress come from? It primarily stems from school, which has been transformed into a viciously competitive environment that prioritises showcasing students’ abilities rather than fostering a genuine thirst for knowledge. This pressure is not only overwhelming for students but also adults. The excessive hours spent in classrooms and tutoring classes leave children with little time to rest. Even in a small city like Hong Kong, activities as simple as taking a taxi to go hiking have become luxuries! Children’s growth requires not only academic pursuits but also the presence of friends, playtime and ample rest. Unfortunately, these vital aspects are often neglected.” One of the reasons children are disconnected from nature is their parents’ hectic work schedule and exhaustion, preventing them from fully understanding the benefits nature can bring.
The divine bird in the story of “Regain The Lost Wings” is, in fact, a manifestation of nature itself. Olivia hopes that through the story of the divine bird’s recovery and the birth of colours, children can rediscover their lost or compromised abilities in nature and rebuild their sense of self-worth. These abilities include communication skills, self-expression, creativity, resilience, confidence and courage. “Nature is truly fascinating. It possesses a remarkable life force that is palpable when we immerse ourselves in its embrace. It becomes instinctual to speak a little louder and run on the grass. I am sure we all remember the contrasting feelings of confinement and freedom when we went hiking during the pandemic. Another benefit that nature provides for children is its ability to awaken their senses. As performing artists, we value sensory perception and body coordination, which are equally important for children. Through this programme, we aspire to offer children the opportunity to personally connect with nature and fully experience its nurturing inclusiveness. Taking deep breaths and sweating in nature bring numerous physical benefits as well.”
Everything takes time, so does children’s growth
Olivia’s approach to parenting is influenced by the rhythms of nature. She firmly believes that “everything takes time” – just as nature operates on its own timeline, so does the growth of children. “When I was studying traditional Chinese medicine, my teacher told us that we could grow ginseng at home but it would not have any medicinal properties. Its medicinal properties come from specific environmental factors such as water, soil, temperature and geographical conditions. Similarly, each child has a unique set of growth requirements. As parents, we must adapt and provide the necessary support to boost our children’s development. Just like different phones require different chargers, the same logic applies to parenting as each child grows on a unique timeline. Some countries discourage teaching young children to write too early to align with the developmental progress of children’s hand muscles. By responding to their needs at each developmental stage, children will naturally take the appropriate steps forward. My daughter, for example, did not fully commit to studying until Form Three. Despite starting later than her peers, she successfully gained admission to her favourite subject in her ideal university with the determination and tenacity of an athlete.” Olivia believes parents must learn patience and the art of waiting, and says “Life is a long journey. We need to relax and adopt a long-term perspective.”
Building intrinsic values in children through arts or sports
Having worked in the performing arts industry for years, Olivia believes that arts, whether painting or singing, are an inclusive realm where we can all take part in. In Olivia’s view, performing arts, much like the wonders of nature, offer numerous benefits to children. Not only does it foster resilience and social skills, but it also teaches us to embrace failure and pursue truth, beauty and goodness. Moreover, it allows children to feel seen and acknowledged. “Children and teenagers need opportunities to stand in the spotlight and be recognised. When children engage in activities they enjoy, they naturally strive for improvement. Art is a means of expression of personal values, creativity and imagination. These intrinsic values are not attained through competitions or graded exams. Children cannot truly experience the benefits of music through exams alone. I hope parents can foster resilience, determination and intrinsic values in their children through an art form or a sport that they love. Rather than making choices for children or solely aiming for victories in competitions, let children explore artistic or physical activities that genuinely capture their interest. While competitions can have their merits, the ultimate goal of earning should not revolve around competitions alone.”
Olivia is very close with her daughter. She believes that the presence and companionship of parents are essential in nurturing healthy development in children. “I love sharing my childhood stories with my daughter. She is eager to learn what I was like when I was her age, and I often ask her to share her experiences at school in return. Maintaining this two-way communication is vital, as it encourages children to come to you in the face of challenges. Why do young children return to their parents at the park from time to time, seeking their attention as they go down the slide or play on the swings? It is because they crave their parents’ presence, attention and approval. Being a parent requires spending quality time with your children. Avoid cutting off communication and, most importantly, refrain from becoming a source of stress for them.”
Lost Child Project Hong Kong has joined hands with artists, nature education experts and mental health experts to launch “ÉLAN Eartheatre – Regain The Lost Wings”, a programme supported by the Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme (ACDFS), with Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden as Ecological Education & Venue Partner, presenting Hong Kong’s first large-scale art event for children, integrating mental well-being, performing arts and nature. As pioneers in promoting sustainability within the art community, Olivia and her team have embraced environmental conservation, carbon reduction and waste reduction as the creative principles of this programme to promote active participation in sustainable practices in the art industry.
