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The acclaimed TNT theatre Britain will visit Hong Kong to perform "Macbeth", the bloodiest of Shakespeare's four great tragedies, in October.
A dark thriller as well as a profound study of the nature and allure of evil, "Macbeth" was TNT theatre Britain's first Shakespeare production and the troupe has presented the play in 31 countries and 267 cities worldwide since its premier performance in 2000. This full-blooded production unleashes the vital power of Shakespeare's dark masterpiece, blending a highly physical style, a well-integrated musical score and a dynamic interpretation of Shakespearean verse that has generated enthusiasm from audiences and critics alike.
As with many of Shakespeare's works, the plot is universal. A warrior - Macbeth - encounters three witches who predict that one day he will be king. Unable to resist the temptation, Macbeth and his wife secretly murder the king and claim the crown. To hold onto power they will kill anyone who stands in their way, even their best friend. But their evil comes back to haunt them as ghosts and witches rise against them and a good warrior escapes their clutches to claim revenge for the slaughter of his family. The Macbeths meet a just and terrible end that is amplified by madness and despair. A new king is crowned, but will the witches return and sow further seeds of ambition and evil?
TNT theatre Britain was founded in 1980. Since then it has established itself as one of the most popular touring theatre companies in the world. The company seeks to integrate all the performing arts in a style of theatre that merits the title "TNT" - an explosive style of theatre that also stands for "The New Theatre". TNT's roots include a mix of physical theatre as defined by the great East European directors Grotowski and Meyerhold as well as popular theatre exemplified by the English music hall style and Italian commedia dell'arte (classical clowning). Music is very important to TNT and all productions include a newly commissioned musical score. The director always works with a choreographer and the ensemble actors are chosen for their ability to traverse the disciplines of theatre, music and dance.
Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, "Macbeth" will be performed in English, with Chinese subtitles, at 8pm on October 13 to 15 (Thursday to Saturday) and 3pm on October 15 and 16 (Saturday and Sunday) at the Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall. Tickets priced at $160 and $260 are now available at 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 students and CSSA recipients available on a first-come, first-served basis). Group booking discount is also available. Please refer to the programme leaflet for details.
For programme enquiries, please call 2268 7325 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/theatre/000002e0.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.
Ends/Thursday, August 18, 2011
Issued at HKT 11:01
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