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Renowned theatre director Mr Edward Lam staged the Shanghai premiere of his new play "Grand Expectations" this evening (July 22) for World Expo 2010 Shanghai China (Shanghai Expo).
The production by Edward Lam Dance Theatre (ELDT), which is a highlight of the HKSAR cultural programme for Shanghai Expo, played to a full house on its opening night.
A total of four performances will be staged at the Oriental Opera Hall of the Shanghai Oriental Art Centre ending on Sunday (July 25).
"Grand Expectations" is the final chapter of Mr Lam's "Urban Trilogy" theatre series. It is directed by Mr Lam along with playwright Ms Sylvia Chang, and stars Golden Horse Award winners Ms Lee Sinje and Mr Tony Yang as well as upcoming Taiwanese actor Mr David Wang.
"Focusing on people living in metropolises and happiness, the three-part drama series explores the meaning of 'expectations', 'fortune' and 'future' of urbanites," said Mr Lam.
"Part I of the series, 'Design for Living' (2008), is about present day survival skills in the city. Part II 'Man and WomanĄDWar and Peace' (2009) traces the cultural roots that laid the foundations of gender roles, while Part III 'Grand Expectations' (2010) tells stories of fortune and the future."
Mr Lam said "Grand Expectations", which is being presented for Shanghai Expo in Putonghua, is an interpretation of Charles Dickens' famous work "Great Expectations".
It centres on the complicated relationship between three people in a contemporary urban setting. Each of them confronts different challenges in their lives in the pursuit of happiness.
Earlier for Shanghai Expo, Mr Lam shared his views on "Urban Trilogy" with more than 200 students at "An Open Class on Urban Trilogy" held at Fudan University on June 18.
During the Expo period, 24 groups from Hong Kong will participate in 26 programmes comprising more than 70 performances in Shanghai. Four visual arts exhibitions will also be presented as key components of the HKSAR cultural programme.
Performances in August include "Hong Kong Cantonese Opera Treasures" by Hong Kong Arts Festival and the Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong on August 19 and 20, and "The Legend of Zhang Baozai" by Musica Viva and The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Alumni Association on August 20 and 21.
For full details and ticketing information, please visit the Event Calendar section on Hong Kong's Expo website, www.hkexpo2010.gov.hk .
Ends/Thursday, July 22, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:00
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