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U-Theatre of Taiwan, which combines the continuous practice of art in daily life with masterful execution to generate an arresting theatrical form imbued with concentration and clarity, spent four years developing its new production "Beyond Time", a work that promises to sweep audiences into the vastness of the universe and evoke soul-searching.
"Beyond Time" is the opening programme of the New Vision Arts Festival 2012 organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. It will be staged on October 19 and 20 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre.
U-Theatre, led by Artistic Director Liu Ruo-yu and Music Director Huang Chih-chun, draws on the inner truths of "dance/non-dance" and "one-stroke drumming" through restrained movements and impeccable percussion technique. Thunderous drumming is merged with swirling, contemplative dance and nomad singer Wang Cheng's elemental chanting, while renowned stage and lighting designer Lin Keh-hua turns the floor into a sea of light that stunningly reflects the performers. Together, these elements combine to create scenes that lie between the real and the virtual, creating a fourth dimension in the theatre and a new form of spiritual awakening for the senses.
Members of U-Theatre are renowned for their philosophy of "meditation before drumming", which guides both training and performances. At its premiere in 1998 in France, its "Sound of the Ocean" was hailed by Le Monde as "the best performance of the [Avignon] Festival", and in 2000 the troupe earned the Audience Choice award at the Biennale de la Danse in Lyon, France. In 2003, "Meeting with Bodhisattva" won the first prize in the performing arts category at Taiwan's inaugural Taishin Art Awards. U-Theatre has participated in the Next Wave Festival in New York and the 6th Chekhov International Theatre Festival in Moscow.
"Beyond Time" will be staged on October 19 and 20 at 7.30pm at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre. Tickets priced at $460, $360, $260 and $160 are now available at URBTIX. Half-price tickets are available for full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 and above, people with disabilities and their minders, and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Other booking discounts of up to 20 per cent are available.
A backstage tour will be held on October 20 at noon at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre. Presented in Putonghua, it will take participants behind the scenes of "Beyond Time" to see how stage and lighting designer Lin employs his singular vision. Tickets to the backstage tour are priced at $20.
There will also be a talk by Liu and Huang, who will recount their experience of creating the thought-provoking "Beyond Time". Presented in Putonghua, the talk will be held on October 16 at 7.30pm at AC1, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Programme brochures and leaflets are available at URBTIX outlets or at the website, www.newvisionfestival.gov.hk.
For programme enquiries, call 2370 1044. For telephone credit card bookings, call 2111 5999. Internet bookings can be made at www.urbtix.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:23
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