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The globally renowned International Purves Puppets from the UK will stage "The Firebird" in April, an enchanting story including action-packed adventures and beautiful music.
A famous folktale from Russia, "The Firebird" is the story of Prince Ivan and his quest to find the beautiful Princess Zerena with the help of Grey Wolf, who can transform himself into many disguises, and their journey through the magical forest. Besides Prince Ivan, the audience will meet his two silly brothers, Koschei the Evil Wizard and many other colourful characters, including the Firebird itself.
"The Firebird" has toured British theatres and festivals with great success since its premiere three years ago, and the company has also performed the show in Malta. In Hong Kong, the performances will be conducted in Cantonese with music by Russian composer Stravinsky, making it an occasion not to be missed!
Having toured up and down the country, International Purves Puppets are well known throughout the UK. The company was established 40 years ago, since when it has performed in France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Germany, Syria, Singapore, Jordan, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Large puppets specially designed for full-size theatres are used for the performances, and manipulated in the Bunraku style by the company's professional puppeteers. Most of the productions are performed in "black light", where both the puppets and scenery glow like magic, while the operators seem to disappear in a kaleidoscope of fluorescent colours. Although designed primarily for younger audiences, adults also greatly enjoy the performances.
"The Firebird" is one of the programmes in the Family Fun and World Puppets series presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. It will be held at 8pm on April 6 and 7 (Friday and Saturday), at the Theatre, Sheung Wan Civic Centre, and at 8pm on April 8 (Sunday), at the Auditorium, Tai Po Civic Centre. Tickets ranging from $100 to $190 are now available at all URBTIX outlets, on the Internet and by credit card telephone booking. Half-price tickets are available for senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and their minders, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients (limited tickets for CSSA recipients available on a first-come, first-served basis). A maximum discount of 20 per cent is offered for the Family Fun series and group booking packages.
For programme enquiries, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/multi_arts/00000382.html . Ticketing enquiries can be made on 2734 9009 and credit card telephone bookings on 2111 5999. Tickets can also be booked online at www.urbtix.hk .
Other programmes in the Family Fun series are "PSY" by Les 7 Doigts de la Main (Canada) and "Aladdin and Hansel and Gretel" by Marionettentheater Schloss Schönbrunn (Austria).
Ends/Saturday, February 25, 2012
Issued at HKT 11:01
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