Exploring Identity and Legacy: Kevin Matthew Wong's Benevolence Hall

Written by Fête Chinoise Editorial Team (Kayla Lo)
IMAGES Courtesy: Broadleaf Creative

Benevolence Hall. Photo by Mary Anderson.

“Benevolence Hall” is Hakka-Chinese Canadian artist Kevin Matthew Wong’s latest art installation, inviting audiences to reflect on their personal journeys and connections to Canada. Many Canadians have roots in different parts of the world, coming to Canada and making it their new home. This is also true for the Hakka (which translates to “guest families” in Chinese), who have migrated within China and across the globe, including Canada, while respecting the local cultures of their new homes.

As a descendant of a Hakka family, Kevin grew up in Canada with only a vague understanding of his family’s immigration journey. Meeting Hakka from different parts of the world in Toronto, he came to appreciate the diversity and complexity of the Hakka identity. Among Hakkas in Toronto, there are various accents, dialects, cuisines, and unique experiences as Hakka or Chinese-Canadians.

The Hakka experience is especially significant within Canada’s diverse landscape, offering valuable perspectives for other newcomers finding their place. “This complexity is a really central part of my identity today. As a Canadian, I’m really excited that Hakka are guest people — it’s in our name!” Kevin says.

While researching his theatre project on Anishinaabe water protectors, The Chemical Valley Project, Kevin realised he had a limited understanding of his own Hakka heritage. This revelation prompted him to delve deeper into his cultural roots and explore his identity more fully.

During his journey, the concept of “benevolence” emerged as he found out that early Chinese settlers established “Benevolent Associations” to support each other during hardships and form close communities. Kevin believes that benevolence remains crucial in facing both external and internal challenges within the Chinese community today.

“Many of our community centres and benevolent associations are facing their final chapters as elders are passing on, physical buildings are falling apart, and stories are becoming lost. Can we use benevolence to spur us to action to honour legacy?“

With questions in mind, Kevin sees benevolence as key to encouraging the community to preserve their heritage and legacies. Recognising that younger generations cannot be expected to replicate the past due to vast changes in ways of living, Kevin advocates for creating spaces that reflect contemporary skills, interests, and knowledge. “We should begin to consider what kinds of spaces, legacy, and community we are interested and able to offer with our own skills, interests, and knowledge.”

Before this public installation project "Benevolence Hall," Kevin explored the theme in different media. He first used theatre to address his struggles with self-acceptance as a Hakka Canadian, then realised it couldn’t hold all his ideas. Learning about the challenges faced by Canada’s oldest Chinese temple, Tam Kung Temple in Victoria, B.C., Kevin filmed the story, producing the short documentary “Benevolence” (2023).

While the play and film spoke of lost spaces, "Benevolence Hall" gives a chance for Kevin to create a “third space” for reflection on cultural heritage through his arts and theatre expertise. The installation experience features an immersive “Moon Gate” video and sound installation, representing the life cycle of a community space, a Reading Room with materials on the Hakka and Chinese diasporas in Canada, and a screening area of the short documentary film “Benevolence,” with spaces reserved for people to sit and talk.

Although the installation closes this weekend, Kevin’s journey of self-exploration continues as he seeks to connect with audiences. By embracing justice, integrity, and benevolence, he aims to engage with and acknowledge their complex experiences, fostering a deeper sense of connection.

The next extension of the Benevolence Series, the Benevolence theatrical play, is set to stage at Tarragon Theatre from April 8 to May 4 next year. As Kevin continues his creative journey, audiences can look forward to his evolving presentation of survival, benevolence, and community.

Benevolence Hall

Created by Kevin Matthew Wong
Presented by Toronto History Museums
Produced by Broadleaf Creative with Why Not Theatre

May 18 - August 4, 2024
Market Gallery, Toronto
All welcome

*Benevolence* workshop production photos by Dahlia Katz.

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