The Hong Kong Ballet kicked off its much-anticipated United States (US) tour of "Romeo + Juliet" with a full house at New York City Center on January 13 (New York time), enthralling the audience with a stunning visual feast set in 1960s Hong Kong.

     In this ingenious adaption of Shakespeare's classic, by the Hong Kong Ballet's Artistic Director, Septime Webre, the "old Hong Kong" was vividly brought to life with captivating choreography, intriguing drama, exciting kung fu fighting scenes and splendid cheongsam displays.

     The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY), Ms Candy Nip, said she was proud to present to the US audience one of the finest and most international ballet companies in Asia. "The Hong Kong Ballet also represents the creativity, energy and diversity of our city. These brilliant artists are the cultural ambassadors of Hong Kong," she said.

     Ms Nip said this US tour was particularly meaningful as it was the first overseas tour of the Hong Kong Ballet since the pandemic. It was also the grand finale of our series of celebration activities for the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. 

     Prior to the opening performance, the HKETONY organised a reception bringing guests on a Hong Kong retro tour by exhibiting some of the city's cultural heritage, including Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees, herbal tea shop and mahjong game set, etc. Attended by over 400 guests from the government, diplomatic, academic and business circles, as well as the art and cultural community, the reception also celebrated the imminent arrival of the Year of the Rabbit.

     Following the two performances at New York City Center on January 13 and 14, the Hong Kong Ballet will continue its US tour to North Carolina, performing at the Memorial Hall of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on January 20 and 21.

Ends/Saturday, January 14, 2023
Issued at HKT 15:50

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