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Epic historical drama "Shang Yang" will be staged in late October at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre portraying the unusual story of the well-known Chinese political reformer of the Qin State. Shang Yang was abandoned by his father in childhood after a fortune-teller predicted that the child would bring harm to the nation. He struggled to become the Chancellor of State and instituted political and legal reform. Although these reforms were great success, they also earned him enemies and an ironic ending.
This production has earned both popular and critical acclaims from major international and national arts festivals. It has won seven Chinese drama awards including the 14th China Drama Mei Hua Award, the seventh Wen Hua Award, Cao Yu Award for Drama and Literature and the fourth Shanghai Literature and Arts Award.
Produced by the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre, the drama is set in ancient China in the period of the Warring States (475-221 B.C.) portraying the life, dilemmas and sacrifices of this great tragic-hero who was trapped between friendship, love and political ideals.
Under the capable hands of the best dramatists -- playwright, director, actors and stage designer, this epic historical drama is visually stunning and dramatically striking.
Born of a merger between the Shanghai People's Art Theatre and the Shanghai Youth Theatre in 1995, Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre has produced plays ranging from theatre classics by Shakespeare, Moliere, Chekhov, Brecht, Sartre, Miller and Pinter as well as plays by contemporary Chinese playwrights. The Centre has been involved in international exchanges and collaborations of different forms with theatre artists from Japan, Singapore, Germany, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan, receiving high acclaim in the arts field both locally and internationally.
Epic historical drama "Shang Yang", one of the programmes of the large-scale arts festival "Legends of China" will be staged at 7.30 pm on October 26 and 27 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre.
Tickets priced between $100 and $220 are now available at all URBTIX outlets. Half-price tickets are offered to senior citizens, full-time students, people with disabilities and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Recipients. Group booking and package booking discounts are up to 20 percent.
Telephone reservation can be made on 2734 9009 while credit card telephone booking on 2111 5999. Internet booking can be made through the web-site: www.urbtix.gov.hk
For programme details, please get the programme brochures at URBTIX outlets or browse through the web-site www.legendsofchinafest.com.hk
Programme enquiries can also be made on 27418765.
End/Saturday, October 6, 2001
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