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Cultural performances from around the region are set to provide a spectacular backdrop to the Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games (EAG) with a variety of dynamic and world-renowned events taking place across the city.
Under the theme "Cultural EAG", performing groups from the Mainland, Korea, Japan, Guam, Taiwan, Macau as well as Hong Kong will present an exciting programme in the build-up to, and during the EAG.
"The EAG provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase the cultural vibrancy that our region has to offer," Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Mrs Betty Fung said.
"This programme of cultural events will add a fresh dimension to the EAG and raise the profile of performing arts in East Asia."
The National Dance Company of Korea begins the "Cultural EAG" programme with its traditional repertoire "Korean Fantasy - Scent of Spring". Performances, from November 20-22, feature highlights from various traditional dances.
Internationally renowned Opera singer Tian Haojiang stars in the full production of contemporary Chinese composer Guo Wenjing's opera "Poet Li Bai" on December 4 and 6. The opera has won international critical acclaim and played to full houses during its premiere in the US in 2007.
From the City of Mount Fuji in Japan, the Za Ondekoza drum group celebrates its 40th Anniversary with its energetic performance titled "Ki Kon Ichi Da" on December 11 and 13.
Taiwan's U Theatre presents another rhythmic display called "Sound of the Ocean" featuring bells, gongs and drums on December 11.
Four experienced local artists have come up with an innovative way to celebrate the EAG with a production called "Passion of Body Art" from December 10-13 and December 17-21. The mini drama series takes a look at sports culture of our time.
No cultural display in Hong Kong would be complete without Cantonese Opera, which was recently added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, making it the first item of the world intangible cultural heritage of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau.
Cantonese Opera Day, now in its seventh year, takes place on November 29 providing an opportunity for the public to experience the unique genre and even meet the stars.
A EAG Cultural Extravaganza will be held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre on December 12, featuring a wide variety of lively and traditional performances from around the region.
"The 'Cultural EAG' will help to promote friendship and cultural exchanges that will become a lasting legacy of the Games," Mrs Fung said.
Tickets are available at URBTIX outlets (except Cantonese Opera Day and EAG Cultural Extravaganza). For programme details and information about various discount schemes, please refer to programme leaflets or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/cp
For programme enquiries, call 2268 7321 (music)/ 2268 7323 (dance and extravaganza)/ 2268 7325(theatre and Chinese Opera); for ticketing enquiries and reservations, call 2734 9009; for credit card telephone bookings, call 2111 5999; for internet bookings, visit www.urbtix.hk
Ends/Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:08
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