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A record-breaking audience of 1,600 flocked to one of Berlin's major historic theatres, Admiralspalast, on September 8 (Berlin time) for a dance performance by Hong Kong's City Contemporary Dance Company (CCDC). Sponsored and organised by Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO, Berlin), and marking the occasion of Asia-Pacific Weeks (APW) 2011, the performance reflected Hong Kong's status as a cultural and creative centre in the Asia-Pacific region.
The APW is a biennial event organised by the Berlin State Government. This year it aims to raise public awareness of the importance of clean water and an adequate diet to address the issues of undersupply and overproduction, as well as harmony between traditional and modern technology.
The dance performance sought to project Hong Kong as a cultural magnet resonating artistic and creative nuances blending tradition and modernity and the influences of East and West. The CCDC, financially supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSARG), contributed a masterly performance of Silver Rain - a highlight among the 140 cultural programmes of Asia-Pacific Weeks 2011.
During his welcome speech, Director of HKETO, Berlin, Mr Stephen Kai Wong said, "Hong Kong is more than a leading trading, financial and services centre and will continue to work in concert with the Mainland of China and other territories in the Asia-Pacific region for sustainable economic development. The HKSARG is also taking steps to further improve quality of life, as evidenced by a number of policy initiatives, including the recent start of a major infrastructure project for a cultural district in Hong Kong on the Kowloon side of the harbour.
"HKETO, Berlin is proud to host a special performance for the APW by CCDC, a cultural ambassador for Hong Kong, in Berlin. Silver Rain puts together the most memorable works of outstanding Hong Kong choreographers, including Willy Tsao, Helen Lai, Yuri Ng, Cheuk-yin Mui, Siu-fai Pun and Liang Xing," Mr Wong added.
Since it was founded in 1979, CCDC has performed in over 30 major cities worldwide and presented over 200 original works. These works have set the standard for modern dance in Hong Kong in the last quarter of a century. Following its premiere in Hong Kong in 2004, CCDC's Silver Rain has been staged in Guangzhou and Washington D.C. in 2005, Beijing, Washington D.C. and San Francisco in 2007, Rome and New York in 2008 and Urumqi in 2011.
Acclaimed by the German media as successful "in combining modern, western-style dance techniques with the Chinese tradition", CCDC has reflected the vigour and creativity of Hong Kong's vibrant, multifaceted contemporary culture with its world-class dancers and breathtaking choreographies for more than 30 years. In Berlin, CCDC's shining Silver Rain depicted Hong Kong's vibrancy and creativity on the world stage.
The dance performance, preceded by a reception, was received by thundering applause and a standing ovation from an audience of 1,600, consisting of German senior government officials, members of the German Parliament, ambassadors, major stakeholders in the business sector, members of the creative industries, and scholars and artists. About 60 representatives from the German and Chinese media also attended the event.
After the dance performance, Mr Wong; Managing Director of the CCDC, Clementine Chan; and Assistant Artistic Director of the CCDC, Ringo Chan, were interviewed by the German TV station tv.berlin as well as a collection of print media.
Ends/Friday, September 9, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:42
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