Narration
Chung Li in 1919
There is a lack of archival reflection of early Chinese migration. Because of this, Chung Li has been created as an imaginary character who can guide us through Limehouse Chinatown as recently arrived sailor in November 1919. This was a difficult time for the Chinese community, anti chinese riots having taken place a few months before, in May, throughout port cities such as Cardiff, Liverpool and ofcourse London.
Chung is from Canton and is already an experienced traveller having travelled to Trinidad as an indentured labourer. Through the audio we learn about why he has come to London, his inital observations, how he interacts with the local community and finally what Limehouse Chinatown was like at this time in light of anti chinese sentiment at the time.
Leslie Hoe b. 1941
Leslie Hoe lived and grew up in Limehouse Chinatown. His father was a Chinese Sailor and his mother lived locally in Limehouse.
Connie Hoe also lived in Limehouse Chinatown, with her guardian, her mothers friend who had agreed to look after her after her mother passed away.
Leslie and Connie now live in Wanstead. They have been interviewed by various organisations. The audio trail uses some of Leslie Hoe's interviews.
A sailors assembly room at the East End, 1871 Copyright Museum of London
SCRIPT
The main structure of the script was written by Halima Khanom, however was edited by voice actor Sherman Ko. Please click on image to view original script which has been subject to much editing.
From right to left, Leslie, Connie and Christine Hoe. Date Unknown, Copyright BBC