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"Heading West" is a new collaborative work by Hoyingfung, Artistic Director of Theatre Fanatico, and composer John Chen since their joint effort in "Mother", a drama for "Literature in Theatre -- A Celebration of the Arts" in 1999. In the form of a novel absurd black comedy, "Heading West" explores the implications of the development of the Western Region in China.
The story recounts a traveller who follows the route taken by Monk Sanzang in the ancient Chinese classic "The Journey to the West" to re-explore the meaning behind "the road heading West" and "the pilgrimage in seeking the Buddhist scriptures". On his way, he encounters three "investors", each with his own intentions. All four of them want to develop their own "nirvana" in the West. Will they "gain" or "lose" in the end?
Performed in different cultural perspectives and viewpoints using various music genres (including Beijing opera, Western opera, Chinese folk songs and rock'n roll) composed by John Chen, the play depicts the many exotica and adventures encountered along "the road heading West". This is an original and creative production focusing on the harmonious blending of various media, from stage and acoustics design to visual images with elements of music, drama, dance and paintings, appealing to the taste of the general public.
Major cast of "Heading West" include Chan Ming-long, Owen Wong, Yeung Sze-man, Pauline Tso, Priscilla Leung, Mike Ho and Wong Wing-chiu, with special appearance of Ho Kwok-leung and live music accompaniment by Omnimus Group. Production elites include Leo Cheung (Lighting Designer), Esther Kwok (Mast & Props Designer), Woo Ling-ling (Costume Designer) and Chan Ming-long (Make-up Designer).
Hoyingfung, holder of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Directing and Design from the University of Houston (USA), was born in Hong Kong. Since 1979, Ho has been working professionally in over 100 productions as a theatre director, script-writer, designer (set, costume and lighting) and producer. In 1993, he co-founded the Theatre Resolu with Tang Shu-wing and solely founded Theatre Fanatico in 1996 as artistic director since then. His works have been presented in 13 countries, winning critical acclaims and awards in many local and international drama festivals. He dedicates himself to exploring "Plays staged in poetic form" in his productions with unique style.
Theatre Fanatico is an art company founded by Hoyingfung who is also the artistic director. Focusing on cultural, historical and social changes of Hong Kong and blending oriental and western cultural experiences from ancient times to the contemporary world, the Company aims to create multi-faceted artistic works. With distinctive stage languages, styles and directions, the Company hopes to reflect the "fanatic" situation of Hong Kong in the new millennium through their productions. In the past six years, their productions focus on exploring the "Poetry in Theatre" and "Total Theatre". Major productions staged include "Miss Julie Doesn't Live Here Anymore", "Butterfly Dream", "Picnic on Top of Central Plaza", "In Search of a Floating Stone", "Mother", "The Price", etc.
Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and performed in Cantonese and Putonghua with English synopsis, "Heading West" will be staged at 8pm, September 6 to 7 (Friday to Saturday) and 3pm, September 7 to 8 (Saturday to Sunday) at the Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets priced at $160 are now available at all URBTIX outlets. Half price concessions will be granted to senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients (Limited student and CSSA tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis). A 10% discount is also available for Friends of LCSD performing venues.
Programme enquiries can be made on 2268 7323 or website www.lcsd.gov.hk/cp. Ticketing enquiries and reservation can be made on 2734 9009 while credit card telephone booking on 2111 5999.
End/ Friday, August 9, 2002
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