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The finale of the "Boundless Multimedia Series" programme presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will be performed by local music theatre ensemble the box at the end of October and in early November. The new production, namely the box, side 15 - "the world was made on a sunday", explores the relationship between butterflies and chess and much more.
The music theatre work talks about Vladimir Nabokov, Dmitri Shostakovich and Josef Stalin. By looking at these three men and in connection with Nabokov's autobiography "Speak, Memory", the performance explores the relationship between childhood memories, butterflies and chess, as well as power and art, through music, speech, images and theatrical movements. Members of the box Kung Chi-shing and Peter Suart, who are both directors, composers and musicians, will collaborate with Japanese musical and theatrical performer Mariko Ogawa, Kung's daughter Chiara and a string quartet from the Hong Kong New Music Ensemble. Together they will offer the audience a multi-directional sensory theatre experience.
The story takes the audience back to 1917, when the Bolshevik Revolution convulsed Russia and led to a bloody civil war. Nabokov and his family fled in 1919; Shostakovich stayed. Following the death of Lenin, Stalin consolidated his power. Nabokov travelled across Europe, and then around the United States, like a restless butterfly. He wrote novels, poetry and scientific works. Shostakovich composed under the terrible pressure of Stalin's regime, yet he was able to produce magnificent art. Told to expect a telephone call, he would have to wait at home, not knowing if the call would permit new composition opportunities or end his life.
The performing arts group the box was formed by Kung Chi-shing and Peter Suart in 1987. Major productions have been called "sides", and their music is linked to a strong visual environment and enhanced by narrative and theatrical elements. As in previous productions, the context of "the world was made on a sunday" is closely related to classical literature.
The stage production "the world was made on a sunday" will be presented at 8pm on October 31 and November 1 (Friday and Saturday) and at 3pm on November 2 (Sunday) at the Shouson Theatre of the Hong Kong Arts Centre. Tickets priced at $230 and $180 are now available at URBTIX. 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 are available on a first-come, first-served basis). Please refer to programme booklet and leaflets for details of group booking and the "Boundless Multimedia Series" package discount.
The performance will in English, with some Russian, French, German, Japanese and Cantonese, and partly with Chinese and English surtitles. For programme enquiries, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/multi_arts/program_590.html. For ticketing enquiries, please call 3761 6661. For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For Internet bookings, please visit www.urbtix.hk.
A post-performance talk (to be conducted in English or Cantonese) will be held after the performance on October 31. Audience members are welcome to stay for the session.
Ends/Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Issued at HKT 10:00
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