The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) promoted Hong Kong's vibrant performing arts scene by supporting performances of Tang Shu-wing (TSW) Theatre Studio's "Titus Andronicus 2.0" at the New Diorama Theatre in London on August 4 and 5 (London time), as part of its programme of events to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

     Created in 2009 in Hong Kong, "Titus Andronicus 2.0" is a bold, revolutionary attempt to explore the unreleased potential of Shakespeare's play by rewriting it into a minimalist narrative to create a work of physical theatre in storytelling form with a ground-breaking directing approach. It focuses on the core of theatre, with minimalism taking over: an almost empty stage is lit on seven chairs and seven actors, who switch between the roles of the characters and narrators. 

     Speaking before the performance on August 4 (London time), the Acting Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Kasper Ng, thanked TSW Theatre Studio for bringing the rewritten version of one of the most controversial plays of Shakespeare to London to celebrate the special occasion.
      
     Referring to a whole range of achievements of Hong Kong since 1997, Mr Ng highlighted that "in the past twenty years, Hong Kong has made huge progress on various fronts, not only in our economic performance but also our arts and culture scene. I trust that with the concerted efforts of everyone in Hong Kong as well the support from our friends all over the world, we will continue to stay together; make progress; and create new opportunities."

     After each performance, there was an exchange session in which the TSW Theatre Studio shared the stories behind the production. The crew and audience also exchanged views on the performances.

     Prior to the performances in London, the TSW Theatre Studio successfully staged its "Titus Andronicus 2.0" in Gdansk in Poland and Ostrava in the Czech Republic on July 29 and August 1 respectively. In 2012 the London ETO supported performances of the play "Titus Andronicus" at the World Shakespeare Festival at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London.

     Throughout 2017, the London ETO has been celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR through a programme of events covering music, design, fashion, film, visual arts, cultural heritage, public celebrations, dinners and business seminars and receptions, in the United Kingdom and other countries under its purview. For more information, please visit www.hketolondon20.gov.hk.

Ends/Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Issued at HKT 2:35

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