How I Met My Dead Husband

What is life without death? Does death give life meaning? If so, what is life without love? Here to answer these questions is Lansy Feng. Her show, How I Met My Dead Husband, is a cabaret that remixes the elements of music, language and comedy all into a neatly packaged performance about the dichotomy of love.

Set at a funeral in 1950, her protagonist and narrator, Cheun-Jiau, is giving a eulogy about her dead husband, Yuen. Slowly, but poignantly, listeners are introduced to the widow’s journey through adversity as she perfectly recalls all three lives prior to this one, and the lessons she’s learnt from them. Playing on the idea of reincarnation, Cheun-Jiau talks about how after the failure of love in her first life, the deities had forgotten to wipe her memories between lives, and therefore she was cursed to live with the burden of these experiences.  

Feng’s routine was enjoyable. Her comedic aspects are timed perfectly with her musical numbers as she chronicles the trepidations, and struggling circumstances faced while searching for Yuen. At its core, the story clearly depicts the central theme of love, self-love and love for others. As the story tapers towards its climatic final, the actress expresses her perception of nurturing non-romantic relationships within your life. Something as simple as asking a friend if they’re alright, listening to their problems, calling your parents regularly, were all recommendations that she offered to audience members so that we could live a fuller life.  

Overall, while I did like the performance in all its comedic and allegorical glory, I found the ending partially lacklustre in comparison. Feng’s message is clear but too simple, and I feel that her rather abrupt ending became too literal in contrast to the other aspects of the show. While the highlight of her performance was definitely her comedic timing and commentary about life, I was slightly disappointed towards the end when I realised that this was the tone that the cabaret was going to conclude on. This slightly cliché finale is not for everyone, and while romantics at heart might enjoy the cheesier dialogue and umbrella thematic, it’s not going to be for everyone.

How I Met My Dead Husband is a crucible of laughter, tears and sickly sweetness. There are some great elements here, and an enjoyable watch if you’re looking for something that errs on the side of positivity. However, it’s not for cynics and ever less for those who hate classic clichés. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and for a moment during the show I felt a deep twang in my chest for the loss of innocence between our star-crossed lovers. Despite the stagnated ending, Feng brings a sense of vulnerability to the stage, and breathes life into this one-woman show.

How I Met My Dead Husband 
Melbourne Fringe Festival 2018
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Image: Sare Clarke Photography