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Prayers For A Hungry Ghost

KISS WITNESS / Elisabeth Gunawan

— ,The Pit
Woman on orange-lit stage with camera; large projected face creates surreal, haunting atmosphere.

Shattering, sardonic, funny and tender, this ensemble production combines horror, physical performance, live cinema and Chinese mythology to bring audiences into 'the realm of hungry ghosts'.

In Chinese mythology, 'hungry ghosts' are the reincarnated souls of those who were selfish, envious or greedy. These beings have large, insatiable bellies and flames in their mouths, turning everything they eat into ash.

Darkly comedic and haunting, this mesmerising piece of physical theatre is a family drama set in the underworld, exploring the intergenerational trauma born from the pressure of meeting society's impossible standards.

Big Sister and Little Sister's lives spiral in opposite directions: one is a celebrated classical pianist under pressure, while the other succumbs to a mysterious illness that ravages her soul. Can their unbreakable bond help them escape?

KISS WITNESS, a multi-award-winning company led by Barbican OpenLab alumni Elisabeth Gunawan, creates spaces of belonging for those who lack them in real life.

Tagged with: Theatre & dance Theatre and Dance Aut/Win 2025

Running time: approximately 70 minutes (no interval)

Age guidance: 14 +

This show contains a haze effect, coarse language, sexually suggestive scenes, depictions of violence, themes of bereavement and complex family dynamics, as well as horror imagery that some viewers may find distressing.

This show is performed in English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. Surtitles will be available. 

Post-show talk
Thu 30 Oct, free to same-day ticket holders. 

Captioned performance 
Fri 31 Oct, 7.45pm
 

Presented by the Barbican.

Commissioned by Kakilang, with support from ArtsAdmin, Barbican Open Lab and curious directive's HYPOTHESIS retreat.

Creative team

Elisabeth Gunawan, Sook Kuan Tang, Daniel York Loh Performers/Devisers
Matej Matejka Movement Direction
Elisabeth Gunawan, Matej Matejka Directing Team
LI YILEI Sound & Music
Erin Guan Video & Set Design
Aya Nakamura Puppetry
Ezra Barnard Costume Design
Elisabeth Gunawan Writer

Ticket prices

Members and Members Plus enjoy 20% off ticket prices for this show.

No booking fee. Subject to availability.  

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Corporate Members enjoy discounted ticket prices for this show.

2 tickets max per booking. Subject to availability. 

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£10

Wheelchair spaces, free companion seats may now be booked online.    
Please select the relevant preferences on the access registration page during your booking so we can provide you with the correct information and discounts.    

Booking a wheelchair space:
Select a seat displaying the wheelchair user icon and then select wheelchair user ticket type. The ticket will be priced at the lowest price for that event. If you need an essential companion, please select the E icon next to the wheelchair space you have selected.    

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Groups   
Groups can book at a 20% discount, subject to availability. Contact [email protected] to make a group booking.   

Schools  
£8*, subject to availability.

Under 16’s   
Save 50%, subject to availability.
 

 

*Excludes £1.50 booking fee

These accessibility provisions are available for this event.

Captioned

Reviews

‘A standout show. … Elisabeth Gunawan captivates...‘
The Stage on Unforgettable Girl
‘One of the most original, risk-taking shows on the Fringe‘
The Reviews Hub on Unforgettable Girl
‘Leaves an indelible mark on its audience‘
Theatre Weekly on Unforgettable Girl

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