Franki C.
Playwright
Hong Kong
Franki C. (法蘭奇), born in Hong Kong, is a Taiwan-based playwright and interdisciplinary artist whose creative work lies at the intersection of theatre, performance, and activism. With a background in advocacy for labour rights, sex workers’ rights, and human rights across Australia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, C’s practice is deeply shaped by lived experience and social movements, often bringing socially engaged storytelling into their creative work, ›confronting themes of identity, resistance, and socio-political change.
Art, Activism, and the Power of Multidisciplinary Storytelling
C’s work is rooted in the belief that theatre is not just a form of entertainment but a medium for discussion and resistance. As a playwright, they employ experimental and interdisciplinary techniques, weaving together narrative forms that challenge traditional storytelling. Their plays explore themes of migration, political oppression, and the resilience of marginalized communities, often drawing from their own experiences as a Hong Kong native navigating life in Taiwan. A recurring theme in C’s work is the tension between memory and resistance. As an artist from Hong Kong, they grapple with the complex legacy of the city’s volatile political climate, alongside the need to preserve the voices and true narratives of Hong Kongers. Their play Postmarked:, which explores the lives of Hong Kong political exiles and incarcerated individuals, received the Jury Prize at the 25th Taipei Literature Award (2023).
Video snapshot taken at a live performance of the play “Postmarked” (2023)
Beyond theatre, C’s multidisciplinary approach extends into visual art, installation art work, film and interactive performances. Their projects frequently engage the public in participatory storytelling, transforming audiences from passive observers into active contributors. Some of C’s recent works include Turning the Page: A Documentary Theater on Independent Bookstores (2024, Tainan Arts Festival, Isoleighbourland Theatre) and the short film AIDS Monologues (2018). Beyond their creative work, C. also initiated and curated Midnight Blue – Oral History of Male Sex Workers in Hong Kong (2022, Midnight Blue).
Turning the Page (2024)
Looking ahead, C. continues to expand the boundaries of their artistic practice and is deeply engaged in Taiwan’s vibrant cultural landscape, working alongside other artists and activists to push the limits of creative expression. Their upcoming projects promise to further explore the intersections of art and activism, with a focus on participatory theater and experimental storytelling.
As global political landscapes continue to transform and shift, Franki C’s work stands as a powerful reminder of the role artists play in shaping collective consciousness. Their commitment to blending art and advocacy exemplifies the enduring impact of creative resistance and the power of art as a medium for social justice.
By Manojna Yeluri, August 2025. Manojna is ARC’s Asia Regional Representative.