Guangdong Song and Dance Ensemble to perform dance drama "The Past of Shawan" (with photo)
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With Xiong Jian as artistic director and producer, Tang Dong as playwright, Zhou Liya and Han Zhen as joint choreographers and directors, and Du Ming as composer, the dance drama blends the infinite charm of Guangdong music with an exquisite display of Chinese dance.
"The Past of Shawan" is a full-length original dance drama that takes place in the ancient town of Shawan in Guangdong during the 1930s. Centred on the three eminent He brothers who are regarded as the heirs of Guangdong music, the drama revolves around the musical spirit passed down the generations. This is seen in the classical composition, "Dragon Boat Racing", in which dance elements are deployed to reveal the development of this legendary tale. Lyrical and lively dance segments present a love story of classic Guangdong music. An engrossing storyline, a novel story-telling format, fluid dance performances, exquisite choreography, heart-warming musical classics and a colourful stage set combine to present the audience with a splendid and inspiring epic of Guangdong music.
With a history of over six decades, the Guangdong Song and Dance Ensemble has nurtured the successful careers of many Chinese artistic virtuosos. The ensemble has dedicated itself to the creation and performance of excellent productions, including the dance dramas "The King of Nanyue", "The Pearl", "The Red Lovers", "Full Moon", "Love Story of Grandma Wang and Grandpa Xu"; the dance productions "Rain Pattering on Plantain Leaves", "The Drunken Beauty", "Forbidden Love"; and the traditional Chinese music concerts "The Lingnan Variation", and "Greatest Features of Cantonese Music". The ensemble has also received many awards, including the Wenhua Award from the Ministry of Culture, the National Dance Competition's Lotus Award and a special performance prize at the Guangdong Arts Festival. The ensemble has also toured many countries and regions.
"The Past of Shawan" by Guangdong Song and Dance Ensemble is presented by the Department of Culture Guangdong Province and the Home Affairs Bureau. It is organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department as a cultural collaboration project of Guangdong and Hong Kong, and is one of the events celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It will be staged at 7.45pm on May 17 and 18 (Wednesday and Thursday) and at 3pm on May 18 at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Ticket prices ranging from $160 to $340 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999.
For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/dance/programs_168.html.
Ends/Friday, March 10, 2017
Issued at HKT 12:52
Issued at HKT 12:52
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