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Local drama group Theatre Space will perform a musical production, "Czechmate", in November. Based on a true story about fighting totalitarianism and risking one's own life, it is adapted from the original play, music and lyrics by Gerry Docherty and Bill Kinross.
The Communist Party came into power in Czechoslovakia after World War II, at a time when there was a great deal of poverty and a general lack of freedom for the people. In January 1968, following an election within the Czech Communist Party, Alexander Dubček became the new leader. In April the same year, Dubček proclaimed a new vision for the socialist regime, which sought to ease its control over the people and enterprises, allow the setting up of different political parties, and grant more freedom of speech to its people. It was hailed as the Prague Spring, but was short-lived.
Conservative forces inside the Czech Communist Party were opposed to such civil liberties. In August 1968, some 500,000 troops from the USSR and Warsaw Pact countries marched into Czechoslovakia. Tanks overran the streets of Prague, and Dubček and other Czech communist leaders were arrested and sent to Moscow.
People all over Czechoslovakia countered the Soviet invasion by making street protests, some of them blocking tanks with their bodies. Among them were students from the Charles University in Prague. They decided to take turns by drawing lots to sacrifice their lives, aiming to inspire the Czech people in their fight for freedom from totalitarianism. University student Jan Palach drew the first lot for self-immolation in protest, and etched his name in the history of Czechoslovakia and the world with his life.
The Cantonese musical "Czechmate" was translated by Cheng Chun-chor and is directed by Jacob Yu, while the lyrics were composed by Cheng and Wong Ming-lok. The main cast includes Angus Chan, Melodee Mak, Billy Sy, Karene Mak, Ernestine Ho, Edwin Wan, Tony Li, Ivy Lau, Johnxon Tai, Soraya Chau, Mill Ho, Peter Chan, Kenneth Cheung and Yang Kut-si.
"Czechmate" is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. It will be performed in Cantonese at 8pm on November 27 and 28 (Friday and Saturday) and 3pm on November 28 and 29 (Saturday and Sunday) at the Auditorium of Kwai Tsing Theatre. Tickets priced at $120, $180 and $260 are now available at URBTIX. 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 full-time students and CSSA recipients are available on a first-come, first-served basis). A maximum discount of 20 per cent is offered for the group booking package. This programme contains violent and smoking scenes.
For programme enquiries, please call 2268 7325 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/theatre/program_965.html. For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. Tickets can also be booked online at www.urbtix.hk.
Ends/Friday, October 2, 2015
Issued at HKT 11:02
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