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Integrating traditional Peking opera with techniques of modern theatre, Beijing People's Art Theatre director and playwright Li Liuyi breaks tradition in his new drama, "Mu Guiying".
With a score by China's premier composer Guo Wenjing, the production breathes new life into Mu Guiying's character as well as opening up a whole new dimension for contemporary Chinese theatre.
"Mu Guiying" is one of the programmes of the New Vision Arts Festival organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. It will be staged on October 27 and 28 at 8pm at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Studio Theatre.
The programme is another masterpiece by avant-garde dramatist Li Liuyi, following "The Peony Pavilion: A Spoiled Romance", and has already received critical acclaim in Beijing and Singapore.
Director Li Liuyi boldly turns traditional Peking opera on its head by ingeniously transporting its "one table, two chairs" setting to contemporary small theatre.
The drama is an account of the final hours leading up to Mu Guiying's famous military campaign. This new story combines Peking opera movements and aesthetics with daring, symbolic stage props to reflect the psychological dimensions of the legendary woman warrior.
The production features a contemporary score by Guo Wenjing, a professor of the Composition Department of the Central Conservatory of Music, which puts a modern spin on traditional Peking opera orchestration.
Mu Guiying is presented in Putonghua, lyrics and dialogue with Chinese and English subtitles. A post-performance talk will be given after each performance.
Tickets priced at $200 and $120 are available at URBTIX outlets. Half-price tickets are available for full-time students, senior citizens, people with disabilities and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Group booking discounts are up to 20% off.
Programme brochures are available at URBTIX outlets or at the website, http://www.newvisionfestival.gov.hk.
For programme enquiries, call 2370 1044. Telephone reservations can be made on 2734 9009 and credit card telephone bookings on 2111 5999. Internet bookings can be made at http://www.urbtix.hk.
Ends/Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:56
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