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Renowned theatre director Edward Lam will this month (July) stage "Grand Expectations" (2010) - the final chapter of his "Urban Trilogy" theatre series - for Expo 2010 Shanghai China (Shanghai Expo).
The Shanghai premiere of "Grand Expectations" will be presented by Edward Lam Dance Theatre (ELDT) from July 22 to 25 at the Oriental Opera Hall of the Shanghai Oriental Art Centre.
The production is a highlight of the HKSAR cultural programme for Shanghai Expo and concludes the successful trilogy, which also included "Design for Living" (2008) and "Man and WomanĄDWar and Peace" (2009).
Mr Lam said: "The three-part drama series focuses on the past, present and future of people living in metropolises. In 'Grand Expectations' we explore the meaning of the 'expectations', 'fortune' and 'future' of urbanites."
Part I of the series, "Design for Living", concerns survival skills in the present day. Part II "Man and WomanĄDWar and Peace" traces the cultural roots that laid the foundations of gender roles, while Part III "Grand Expectations" tells stories of fortune and future.
"For our productions, the 'city' is usually the backdrop and 'city-dwellers' are usually the focus," Mr Lam said. "Productions often contain contemporary elements with contemporary representation from classic works."
Mr Lam said "Grand Expectations", which is presented for Shanghai Expo in Putonghua, is an interpretation of Charles Dickens' famous work "Great Expectations". It tells the story of the complicated relationship of three people in a contemporary urban setting. The characters are from different backgrounds with one waiting for her "Prince Charming", another dreaming of becoming a superstar while a third is an aspiring architect.
Each of them confronts different challenges in their lives in the pursuit of happiness.
A strong cast includes leading stars Ms Lee Sinje, Mr David Wang and Mr Tony Yang along with playwright Ms Sylvia Chang. Mr Edward Lam directs.
Earlier for Shanghai Expo, Mr Lam shared his views on "Urban Trilogy" with more than 250 participants at "An Open Class on Urban Trilogy" held at Fudan University on June 18.
During the open class, Mr Lam made reference to the novels that inspired his productions "Madame Bovary is Me" (2006) and "Grand Expectations" (2010). He said that although the novels involved were written some 150 years ago, they reflected the desires and values of modern urban society.
Programme details and ticketing information are available under the Event Calendar section on Hong Kong's Expo website, www.hkexpo2010.gov.hk .
"Grand Expectations"
Date: July 22 to 25, 2010
Time: 7.15pm
Venue: Oriental Opera Hall, Shanghai Oriental Art Centre
Length: Approx 3 hours
Ticket price: RMB500, 380, 280, 180, 100
Online booking: www.ticket2010.com
Ticketing enquiries (Shanghai): (+86 21) 6854 1234
Programme enquiries (Hong Kong): (+852) 2893 8732
ELDT website: www.eldt.org.hk
Ends/Thursday, July 8, 2010
Issued at HKT 12:05
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