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Local arts group Tang Shu-wing Theatre Studio will perform a new version of Shakespeare's work in "Titus Andronicus 2.0" in September to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death next year. The play previously won a Top Ten Most Popular Productions Award and the Best Lighting Design Award at the 19th Hong Kong Drama Awards.
"Titus Andronicus" is the first of Shakespeare's tragedies and is still a controversial work to this day because of its gory content. The story is about the Roman general Titus Andronicus, who has defeated the Goths. The new Roman emperor wants to marry Titus' daughter, Lavinia, but is met with objection, so he marries Tamora, Queen of the defeated Goths, instead. To avenge the defeat, Tamora and her slave Aaron the Moor let Tamora's sons rape Lavinia. Titus then feigns madness and plots his revenge.
"Titus Andronicus 2.0" is directed by Tang Shu-wing, former Dean of the School of Drama of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. The main cast includes Andy Ng, Eric Tang, Masu Wong, Leung Ka-wai, Chu Pak-hong, Lai Yuk-ching and Ivy Pang. The play was taken on tour to six cities in Europe and Asia after its première in Hong Kong in 2009.
"Titus Andronicus 2.0" is a work of physical theatre in storytelling form with an audacious and ground-breaking theatre directing approach. It focuses on the core of theatre, with minimalism taking over: an almost empty stage is lit on seven chairs and the actors, who switch between the roles of the characters and narrators. The play is an adventurous exploration of all kinds of possibilities in theatre, leading the audience to embark on a journey of soul-searching, awakening and mind purification.
As one of the programmes in the "Re-run Run Shows" series presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, "Titus Andronicus 2.0" by Tang Shu-wing Theatre Studio (to be performed in Cantonese) will be staged at 8pm on September 4 and 5 (Friday and Saturday), at 3pm on September 5 (Saturday) and at 5pm on September 6 (Sunday) at the Theatre of Hong Kong City Hall. Tickets priced at $160 and $240 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 full-time students and CSSA recipients are available on a first-come, first-served basis). Please note that this programme contains contents which some audience members may find disturbing. It is suitable for ages 12 or above.
For programme enquiries, please call 2268 7325 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/theatre/program_852.html. For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. Tickets can also be booked online at www.urbtix.hk.
Ends/Thursday, June 25, 2015
Issued at HKT 10:32
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