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Hong Kong's DanceArt has extended the epic poem "Li Sao", written by renowned poet-politician Qu Yuan in China's Warring States period, into a soul-searching journey concerning today's forced and self-imposed exiles in "Lament of the Exile". In this enthralling performance, the different fates and emotions of wanderers separated from their homelands - zeal, melancholy, loneliness, exuberance - are laid bare. Dancers move to create dynamic tension, a Mongolian singer chants as if weeping into a void, and a modern score generates music that continuously spurs the imagination.
"Lament of the Exile" is one of the programmes of the New Vision Arts Festival 2012 organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. It will be staged on November 2 and 3 at the Sheung Wan Civic Centre Theatre.
"Li Sao", literally "Encountering Sorrow", is an autobiographical masterpiece by Qu Yuan. The poem provides a penetrating view of his complex emotions and upright personality, as well as his eternal pursuit of a righteous spirit.
Acclaimed for his originality and characteristic integration of art forms, Chinese-Australian choreographer Zhang Xiao-xiong blends dance, literature, photography and installation in "Lament of the Exile" to illustrate how contemporary Chinese intellectuals relocate their identity after leaving home, and to explore the cultural ambiguity that arises for those cut adrift in a world of disappearing boundaries. A borderless present is interwoven into the performance through composer-musician John Chen's experimental fusion of Eastern and Western sounds while Mongolian singer Narenqimuge's heavenly voice captures the solitude of those exiled throughout time. Meanwhile, dancers from Hong Kong and Taiwan bring together their artistry, adding another creative layer to this fascinating work of contemporary dance theatre.
"Lament of the Exile" will be staged on November 2 and 3 at 8pm at the Sheung Wan Civic Centre Theatre. This programme contains nudity. Tickets priced at $200, $160 and $130 are now available at URBTIX. Half-price tickets are available for full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 and above, people with disabilities and their minders, and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Other booking discounts of up to 20 per cent are available.
Programme brochures and leaflets are available at URBTIX outlets or at the website, www.newvisionfestival.gov.hk.
For programme enquiries, call 2370 1044. For telephone credit card bookings, call 2111 5999. Internet bookings can be made at www.urbtix.hk.
Ends/Monday, October 22, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:21
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