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Integrating traditional Peking opera with techniques of modern theatre, Beijing People's Art Theatre director and playwright Li Liuyi breaks tradition in his new drama Mu Guiying which will be staged tomorrow and on Saturday (October 27 and 28) at 8pm at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Studio Theatre.
Mu Guiying is another masterpiece by avant-garde dramatist Li Liuyi, following The Peony Pavilion: A Spoiled Romance, and has already received critical acclaim in Beijing and Singapore.
Director Li Liuyi boldly turns traditional Peking opera on its head by ingeniously transporting its "one table, two chairs" setting to contemporary small theatre.
With a score by China's premier composer Guo Wenjing, the production breathes new life into Mu Guiying's character as well as opening up a whole new dimension for contemporary Chinese theatre.
The drama is an account of the final hours leading up to Mu Guiying's famous military campaign. This new story combines Peking opera movements and aesthetics with daring, symbolic stage props to reflect the psychological dimensions of the legendary woman warrior.
The production features a contemporary score by Guo Wenjing, a professor of Composition Department of the Central Conservatory of Music, which puts a modern spin on traditional Peking opera orchestration.
Mu Guiying is presented in Putonghua, lyrics and dialogues with Chinese and English surtitles. A post-performance talk will be given after each performance.
Mu Guiying is one of the programmes of the New Vision Arts Festival organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
Tickets priced at $200 and $120 are available at URBTIX outlets. Half-price tickets are available for full-time students, senior citizens, people with disabilities and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Group booking discounts are up to 20% off.
For programme enquiries, call 2370 1044.
Ends/Thursday, October 26, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:51
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