The Edinburgh Fringe is known for showcasing groundbreaking and unique productions, and this year is no exception. Among the exciting lineup is Hello Kitty Must Die, a dark and satirical musical that promises to challenge and captivate audiences. We spoke with Jessica Wu, the talented lyricist behind the show, to get a glimpse into the creative process and the importance of representation in the arts.
Describing the show, Jessica Wu says, “It is hopefully a type of show that theatregoers haven’t seen before, especially folks who might be used to more Broadway-type shows. It’s dark, it’s satirical, it is outrageous, and it is also incredibly Asian female representative, which is the thing that just excites me so much.” From Wu’s enthusiasm, it’s clear that Hello Kitty Must Die offers a fresh and compelling perspective that pushes the boundaries of traditional theatre.
As the lyricist of the production, Jessica shares insight into the role: “I write the lyrics of the songs that are in the show, and I work with Cecilia Lin, who is our composer, our wonderful, wonderful composer, to make these songs to life.” The adaptation process, from novel to play to musical, has allowed Jessica to delve into the deep inner life of the central character, Fiona and translate her thoughts and emotions into powerful lyrics that resonate with audiences.
The significance of representation in Hello Kitty Must Die cannot be overstated. Jessica says, “What was so exciting to me was that this book was written by somebody like me, I could be this person, and the things that are going on inside her head…they are so relatable, and I’ve never seen a character like that represented before in theatre or in a lot of media.” By showcasing an Asian American woman as the protagonist and exploring her intricate and relatable psyche, the production challenges the stereotypes and limited portrayals that have dominated the industry for far too long.
Despite the challenges of remote collaboration and rehearsals over Zoom, Jessica highlights the joy of the role: “It feels like deep diving into somebody’s life, and that’s just fun. It’s fun to be able to bring out this character’s just weirdest, deepest inner life.”
As a first-timer at the Edinburgh Fringe, Jessica is eagerly looking forward to being immersed in the vibrant festival. “I’m just really excited to take in as much theatre as much as possible,” says Jessica, “and I’m also excited to explore the historic sites and soak in the energetic atmosphere of the festival.” With Hello Kitty Must Die making its debut at the Fringe, Jessica and the entire team are set to make a lasting impression on audiences.
Hello Kitty Must Die is a groundbreaking musical that challenges stereotypes and brings underrepresented voices to the forefront. Jessica Wu’s lyrics infuse the production with emotion, wit, and a fresh perspective.
More information about Hello Kitty Must Die, with lyrics by Jessica Wu, can be found here.
