Culture, History, Family and Duty – clad in comedic madness: Legends (of the Golden Arches)

Legends (of the Golden Arches) is surely the most original and unpredictable show at Perth Festival. Created and performed by Joe Paradise Lui and Merlynn Tong (two esteemed artists – as they frequently remind us), the unique production takes the audience on a spectacularly bizarre ride through Chinese mythology blending comedy, personal struggle and cultural exploration in an entertaining and comedic way. 

Our heroes’ story begins with friends Joe and Merlynn returning from a Chinese funeral. Merlynn is determined to honour the traditional rites and customs of her ancestors, while Joe is skeptical and dismissive of what he sees as pun-driven, internally inconsistent and ‘forgettable’ folklore. Each also have their own personal grievances relating to family and duty. This clash sets the stage for a deep and surprisingly funny exploration of their cultural identities, beliefs, forgiveness and friendship. 

One of the most compelling aspects of the show is the combination of somewhat wild plot line combined with equally wild production. The creative use of set design, lighting, costume and beautifully designed multimedia elements enhances the storytelling to create a visually stunning and immersive experience. It also guarantees laughs when you least expect it. The comedic timing of these elements and the actors’ interaction with them demonstrates a significant investment in their rehearsals and direction. 

Throughout their journey, Joe and Merlynn examine culture and connection to heritage. As part of this, they work hard to strike the perfect balance between introducing an audience of (likely) uninitiated to Chinese mythology – and assuming a certain level of emotional intelligence in the audience to understand struggles with cultural identity. This investment also pays dividends as the audience is treated to an entertaining trip through the underworld, which they now understand and recognise, and can appreciate and access the complexity of Joe and Merlynn’s personal development throughout. 

Legends (of the Golden Arches) is a must-see at Perth Festival for those who enjoy comedy with heart and relish the thrill of the unexpected. This show is a testament to the writing, producing and performing talents of Lui and Tony and their ability to create a deeply personal, universally relatable and visually wild story.