People with Down’s syndrome live their dreams for Hong Kong photo exhibition
- University of Hong Kong exhibition shows 12 people with Down’s syndrome in roles including ballerina, baker and kung fu master
- Photographer says Hong Kong lacks jobs for disabled people
Ever since she was a little girl, Gigi Chan Che-yu has loved Cantonese opera. She used to watch old black-and-white Cantonese opera films and live performances with her family and was fascinated by the beautiful make-up and costumes of the performers.
She pursues her interest through lessons, which she has done since 2005. Her Down’s syndrome has not stopped her from learning and working with a number of famous Cantonese opera teachers and performing on stage.
“Actually I find it very relaxing performing on stage because I really enjoy it. I like wearing the costumes, headdresses and the make-up. It’s very pretty,” the 40-year-old performer says.
Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition caused by a complete or partial third copy of chromosome 21 in the cells of a human body. The condition results in characteristic facial features, physical growth delays and some intellectual disabilities.
Chan is one of 12 people with Down’s syndrome photographed for an exhibition that aims to raise awareness of the condition and showcase their otherwise unknown abilities and aspirations to the public. The roles that those photographed dream of performing include film director, artist, baker and kung fu master.
