When Kevin receives an unexpected phone call asking him to write a play about Hakka-Chinese culture, he embarks on an unexpected, urgent, and uplifting journey. Kevin discovers a sweeping tale that began centuries ago in China, and leads Kevin to surprising discoveries about his family, his culture, and Canadian history. Benevolence traces the Hakka peoples' search for safety and home in Canada, and the enduring bonds that connect them across oceans and generations. With curiosity and humour, Wong invites us to uncover fascinating stories from Canada's past and present. This play is part of a Dora Award-winning series of artistic projects, including a documentary film and an art installation.
KEVIN MATTHEW WONG Creator / Writer / Performer / Projection Design ECHO ZHOU Set & Lighting Design CHRIS ROSS-EWART Sound Design OLIVIA WHEELER Assistant Sound Designer NOEL PENDAWA Video Assistant & Editor MIKE PAYETTE Consulting Director YIZHOU ZHANG Dramaturg TARA MOHAN Stage Manager
PAVILION SERIES BUY TICKETS BUY FLEX PASSES Location Pavilion Theatre 1025 Lorne Street Show Times Mar 19 to 29, 2026 Evenings | 7:30pm Saturday & Sunday Matinee | 2pm Wednesday Tea Matinee | 11am No Shows on Mondays Run Time Approximately 80 minutes, no intermission Audience Guidance Recommended age: 13+ See Audience Advisories for more information. Special Performances Preview Thursday Thu, Mar 19| 7:30pm Opening Night Fri, Mar 20 | 7:30pm Tea Matinee Wed, Mar 25 | 9:45am (11am Performance) Pay-What-You-Choose Matinee Sat, Mar 21 | 2pm Sat, Mar 28 | 2pm Student Matinees Wed, Mar 25 | 11am *For school group bookings, please contact Terri Runnalls: terri@wctlive.ca
BUY TICKETS
BUY FLEX PASSES
Pavilion Theatre 1025 Lorne Street
Mar 19 to 29, 2026 Evenings | 7:30pm Saturday & Sunday Matinee | 2pm Wednesday Tea Matinee | 11am No Shows on Mondays
Approximately 80 minutes, no intermission
Recommended age: 13+ See Audience Advisories for more information.
Preview Thursday Thu, Mar 19| 7:30pm
Opening Night Fri, Mar 20 | 7:30pm
Tea Matinee Wed, Mar 25 | 9:45am (11am Performance)
Pay-What-You-Choose Matinee Sat, Mar 21 | 2pm Sat, Mar 28 | 2pm
Student Matinees Wed, Mar 25 | 11am
*For school group bookings, please contact Terri Runnalls: terri@wctlive.ca