From family theatre and interactive opera to contemporary dance and classic Cantonese opera, there's something for everyone in this year's Hong Kong Arts Festival programme
Creativity in Hong Kong is thriving, with local bands and artists gaining more and more followers every day. Each year, the city gets to view creative talent from across the globe and at home thanks to the Hong Kong Arts Festival, and we’ve found the must-see dance, theatre, circus and music performances for the 46th Hong Kong Arts Festival, 2018.
46th Hong Kong Arts Festival
Running from 23 February to 24 March, 2018, the 46th Hong Kong Arts Festival sees artists from Poland, Britain, America, Canada, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong and more performing on stages throughout the city. We’ve taken a look at the diverse programme, and here are our top picks. Go get inspired by the arts!
Cécile McLorin Salvant and the Aaron Diehl Trio
At just 28 years of age, Cécile McLorin Salvant has been wowing audiences across the globe with her stunning voice that is often compared to the greatness of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Born to a French mother and a Haitian father in Miami, Salvant studied classical music for years before discovering jazz and releasing her first album Cécile in 2010.
Backed by Juilliard-trained pianist Aaron Diehl and his trio, expect smooth sounds and an exhilarating performance that combines blues, folk and soul to bring a smile to your heart.
Cécile McLorin Salvant and the Aaron Diehl Trio, 21/22 March, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
Cantonese Opera: Farewell My Concubine
Premiered as a Hong Kong Arts Festival commission in 1995, Farewell My Concubine returns this year featuring two stars of Cantonese opera: Yau Sing-po and Law Kar-ying. Set in the final years of the Qin dynasty, the show tells the story of Xiang Yu, the King of Chu and how the once triumphant warlord falls to Liu Bang, the King of Han.
If you haven’t seen Cantonese opera live before, then you definitely need to see this unique rendition of a classic story.
Cantonese Opera: Farewell My Concubine, 9-11 March, Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall
Bosch Dreams
Dutch artist Hieronymous Bosch created fantastic imagery of life in medieval Europe and was a huge influence on the likes of Salvador Dali and the Surrealist movement. To commemorate the 500th anniversary of the artist’s death, Bosch 500 Foundation commissioned Canada’s Les 7 Doigts de la Main circus company to devise a piece based on his vision.
The result is Bosch Dreams, a show in which pictures come to life as they examine the artist’s life and works. Enjoy flying acrobats and masked monsters interacting with giant projections in this wonderfully theatric performance.
Bosch Dreams, 9-11 March, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre
Asia Pacific Dance Platform X
Now in its tenth edition, the Asia Pacific Dance Platform brings together bothe established and emerging choreographers and offers Hong Kong audiences a range of programmes that will stir the soul.
In Dance, if you want to enter my country!, Vienna-based Japanese artist Michikazu Matsune examines and incident that happened in 2008, when African-American dancer Abdur Rahim Jackson was forced to dance before border security officers to prove his profession. If it’s all in my veins by Australian dance artist Martin Hansen disrupts dance history by envisaging its end and re-envisioning its future.
Asia Pacific Dance Platform X, throughout February and March and selected theatres
O is for Opera! Family concert by Welsh National Opera
This one’s for the whole family. An interactive family concert, in O is for Opera! The Welsh National Opera introduces the whole family to opera and classical music, as BBC Radio 3 presenter Tom Redmond, two solo singers and the WNO Orchestra guide you through a tour of the world with a selection of popular opera favourites. This show is all about participation, and you may even get a chance to conduct the orchestra! Don’t miss trying the Orchestra Zoo in the foyer beforehand too, where you can try out a range of instruments and have your makeup done.
O is for Opera! Family concert by Welsh National Opera, 16 March, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Playwright Simon Stephens has adapted Mark Haddon’s award-winning book for the stage, and Britain’s National Theatre brings the story to life in this West End and Broadway hit show. Telling the tale of a boy with an exceptional brain who is wrongly accused of killing a dog, the story will make you see life from a new angle. Expect stunning set and lighting design coupled with truly remarkable acting.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, 8-18 March, HKAPA Lyric Theatre
46th Hong Kong Arts Festival, 23 February – 24 March, 2018
Looking for more artistic inspiration in Hong Kong? Take a look at the photography of Michael Kistler, sign up for a creative workshop or explore PMQ.