New Vision Arts Festival to combine dynamic fusion with boundless creativity (with photos)
********************************************************

     The biennial New Vision Arts Festival will reach its 10-year mark this autumn, when it will once again present an array of innovative and outstanding Asian-focused performances that cross cultural and disciplinary borders.

     Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the New Vision Arts Festival will run from October 19 to November 17.

     Opening the festival is "Beyond Time" by U-Theatre of Taiwan. In creating the production, Artistic Director Liu Ruo-yu and Music Director Huang Chih-chun delved into the wisdom of Zen to embrace the present and search for enlightenment. Four years in the making, it combines thunderous drumming, swirling contemplative dance and elemental chanting to create an illuminating form of awakening for the senses and a timeless spiritual journey. The programme will be held on October 19 and 20 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre.

     The closing programme is "Limited States" & "A World Premiˆore Work" by Shen Wei Dance Arts from the US. Breaking the norms of show time and venue, "Limited States" & "A World Premiˆore Work" are highly original and groundbreaking in presenting an unparallelled arts experience that opens up inspiring perspectives. The site-specific new work has been tailor-made for the New Vision Arts Festival and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. It will be held on November 16 and 17 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre and Foyer.

     The festival will also feature:
* "Echoes of Dunhuang" by the Munich Chamber Orchestra (Germany) and Trey Lee;
* "NEITHER/DELUSIONS II" by phase7 performing.arts (Germany);
* "The Flight of the Jade Bird" by Mark Chan (Singapore);
* "The Sound of Folk Tales" by Dana Leong and Dave Liang (US);
* "FAKEST" by Wrecking Crew Orchestra (Japan);
* Wu Man (US) and Aboriginal Friends from Taiwan;
* "Two Dogs" by the National Theatre of China;
* "Thunderstorm" by Tang Shu-wing Theatre Studio;
* "O You Heavenly Creatures!" by Ho Bit Goon;
* "Lament of the Exile" by DanceArt Hong Kong; and
* "Ravel the Time Traveller" by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta.

     Apart from performances, the festival will also offer the extension activities "Data Gaga" and "Music Beyond Borders", as well as a criticism mentorship programme, a seminar, exhibitions, talks, lecture demonstrations, free performances and meet-the-artist sessions. An exciting backstage tour and a master class will also be held.

     Tickets for the New Vision Arts Festival will be available at URBTIX from tomorrow (August 24). Half-price tickets are available for full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 and above, people with disabilities and their minders, and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Other booking discounts of up to 20 per cent are available.

     Programme brochures are available at URBTIX outlets or at the website, www.newvisionfestival.gov.hk.

     For programme enquiries, call 2370 1044. For telephone credit card bookings, call 2111 5999. Internet bookings can be made at www.urbtix.hk.

Ends/Thursday, August 23, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:35

NNNN