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The locally acclaimed arts group, DanceArt Hong Kong, will perform its latest production, a post-modern dance theatre entitled "In Search of Hui Sin", in June.
"The Legend of the White Snake", one of China's four great folk tales, has been passed down for hundreds of years. The white snake and the green snake yearn for worldly love. They change into the bodies of two women at the West Lake, and meet the scholar Hui Sin on a bridge in the rain. Thus begins a love affair between a man and a demon. Under the pursuit of the spirit-purging monk Fat Hoi, their relationship builds into an epic tragedy which sees a fierce confrontation between love, reason and the morals that rule the day.
Although associated with fear, shame and remorse, Hui Sin's inner self is not a matter of interest for close study. A character destined to be manipulated, Hui may witness a "hyped-up" affair that claims to be "a war between the upstanding and the evil", but does not allow himself to expose any injustice or violence that he sees, and ultimately is left with nothing but suppressed grievances. But have Hui's genes actually replicated themselves and entered our bodies?
With a breathtaking collage of images, this post-modern dance production explores the intricate love/power relationship between man, beast and demon and reveals the significance of an ancient folktale in a contemporary setting. It goes in search of Hui Sin who seems to be lost in the 1000-year-old legend. History places itself between isolation and continuity, casting a cold eye over the world's emotions and contemplating the spirits that roam the unceasing desert winds.
For this new production and interpretation, scriptwriter and director Ho Ying-fung collaborates with artistic director of DanceArt Hong Kong Francis Leung, independent artist Kung Chi-shing, veteran dancer Su Shu, members of DanceArt Hong Kong and various cross-discipline artists. This multi-angled and multi-faceted theatrical concept gives the audience cause to reflect on the big picture, while the dancers' courage and honesty takes them on a journey into the unknown. This is what DanceArt Hong Kong is all about.
"In Search of Hui Sin" is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. It will be held at 8pm on June 21 and 22 (Friday and Saturday) at the Shouson Theatre of Hong Kong Arts Centre. Tickets priced at $160 and $200 are now available at URBTIX outlets, on the Internet and by credit card telephone booking. Half-price tickets are available for senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and their minders, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients (limited tickets for CSSA recipients available on a first-come-first-served basis). A maximum discount of 20 per cent is offered for the group booking package. A post-performance met-the-artists session will be held after the first performance.
For programme enquiries, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/dance/program_269.html . Ticketing enquiries can be made on 2734 9009 and credit card telephone booking on 2111 5999. Tickets can also be booked online at www.urbtix.hk .
Ends/Friday, May 10, 2013
Issued at HKT 11:10
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