HAMLET resonates with the issue of identity. But Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Well, performance poet Francesca Beart poses the question - “Who would you rather be, Hamlet or Buffy?” in Chinese Whispers, to be staged in Kuala Lumpur from Sept 28-30.

The hour-long solo act, which comprises rhymes, song, dance and “rib-tickling antics”, questions cultural identity. Besides the Hamlet-Buffy poser, viewers can expect to go away wondering, “Who am I?”, “Where am I from?”, “Why am I here?”, “What makes me laugh”?

Selangor-born Beard - she spent her childhood in Penang before moving to Britain with her British father and Malaysian mother - was first here in April. Supported by Troubagangers, a local music and poetry group, she performed Wayang Kata - An Evening of Spoken Word.

Chinese Whispers was commissioned and produced by Apples & Snakes, a Britain-based organisation that supports diverse and dynamic poets, and encourages the appreciation of poetry by all. Showtime is 8.30 nightly at Pentas 2, KL Performing Arts Centre (KLPac).

Tickets at RM20, or RM10 for students and senior citizens, available at the box office (03-4047 9000) or The Actors Studio @ BSC (03-2094 9400).

Beard will also conduct a workshop for local poets and perform for schoolchildren at the Sarawak State Library, and make an appearance at Mojo’s Bar in Kuching on Sept 22.