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The internationally acclaimed Moscow State Puppets Theatre, which is named after Russian puppet master Sergei Obraztsov, will adapt Jonathan Swift's classic novel "Gulliver's Travels" into a splendid stage production called "Gulliver" this summer.
"Gulliver" is one of the programme highlights of the large-scale summer International Arts Carnival presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
Put together by Pushkin Prize winner Catherine Obraztsov (Sergei Obraztsov's granddaughter) and People's Artist of Russia Sergey Alimov, the show features more than 50 puppets, ranging from palm size to three metres, alongside costume character performers and veteran actors. The spectacular stage design, including humorous props such as a gigantic food conveyor belt, an insect and a lemon, is wonderfully combined with projection, music and dance to bring the wacky characters in "Gulliver's Travels" to life.
The show has received critical acclaim. The Los Angeles Times said that "the show melts into an optical illusion, juxtaposing oversized puppets, human beings and hand-sized figurines on the same stage to convey an impossible jumble of scale. The crowd is electrified".
The Moscow State Puppets Theatre named after Sergei Obraztsov was established in 1931 by the legendary Obraztsov, one of the greatest puppet masters in the 20th century, who was credited by Encyclopedia Britannica with "establishing puppetry as an art form" and won recognition as "the puppet world emperor".
Over the years, the theatre has made remarkable contributions in developing genres of puppetry. The theatre's productions are usually colourful and light-hearted with themes on humanity, benevolence and love, among others. It has gained an international reputation with its triumphal tours around the world.
"Gulliver" will be performed at 7.30pm on July 30 and 31, and at 3pm on July 31 and August 1 at the Kwai Tsing Theatre Auditorium. It will be presented with English dialogue and Russian lyrics and Chinese and English subtitles.
Tickets priced at $100, $160 and $220 are available at URBTIX outlets. Half-price tickets are available for full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 and above, people with disabilities and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Booking discounts of up to 20% are available for full-price performing arts/film programmes.
An exhibition on Russian puppets will be held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Foyer from July 30 to August 8. Admission to the exhibition is free.
Programme guides of the International Arts Carnival are available at URBTIX outlets or at the carnival website, www.hkiac.gov.hk .
For programme enquiries, call 2370 1044. Internet bookings can be made at www.urbtix.hk . Credit card telephone bookings can be made on 2111 5999.
Ends/Saturday, June 26, 2010
Issued at HKT 14:30
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