Book Review of Benny Chia's Life on the Fringe -The almost naked Memoir

Life on the Fringe - The almost naked Memoir

Benny Chia’s memoir, Life on the Fringe - The almost naked Memoir, weaves a rich tapestry of personal anecdotes, artistic insight, and reflections on Hong Kong’s arts and cultural evolution. Spanning the British colonial era to the transition of sovereignty, it captures the vibrant emergence of Hong Kong's arts scene during a time of minimal institutional support. Through his vivid storytelling, readers gain a behind-the-scenes look at the exhibitions and stage performances that brought the city’s unique cross-cultural identity to life.

Life on the Fringe - the almost naked Memoir is published by and available at:

Book Reviews

Sun-man Tseng, Adjunct Professor, Education University of Hong Kong, author of The Practice of Arts Administration

“Benny Chia, Founder of the Fringe Club and champion of cultural policy, is a revered pioneer. To me, his forty-year love affair with the Fringe is the best Hong Kong success story in terms of cultural exchange and arts engagement. This compelling memoir reveals the secrets behind Benny’s achievements - his unparalleled qualities as an artist, manager, entrepreneur, intellectural, connector and friend.”

Victoria Finlay, Author of Colour: Travels Through the Paintbox, former arts editor, South China Morning Post

“Wonderful! What the Fringe Club did for the arts in the 1990s and early 2000s was extremely important. If you were there, then read this and learn some of its secrets. If you missed it, then read this and be stirred to do somthing extraordinary yourself. Benny’s book manages to inspire, enrich and entertain all at the same time. Just as the Fringe Club used to do.”

Marrisa Fung-Shaw, Former Trustee, Asian Cultural Council Member, M+ Board of Directors

“This is a book for people curious about that old building on the hill at Ice House Street, and about Hong Kong culture. Benny Chia crafts his memoir with restraint and elegance, much like a director creating a play.”

Lynn Yau, CEO, The Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection

“Benny Chia is synonymous with the Fringe Club. Camaraderie and conviviality pervade Life on the Fringe, reminding us of the timelessness of creativity and collaboration, which are two essential ingredients in any meaningful venture. A must-read for arts, heritage and histoy lovers.”

G.C., Arts Educator

“With vivid sorytelling and a keen eye for detail, the author candidly unveils his challenges, triumphs and even failures of navigating a life dedicated to art and culture. A testament to resilience.”