A whirlwind of traditional and contemporary theatre
Visually stunning and emotionally enthralling
If you think Shakespeare and Chinese opera live
in completely different worlds, just take another look
at The Tempest. With its broad range of character types
and their codes of behaviour, magical spirits and demons,
intertwining plots and subplots, and masterful
balance of comedy and tragedy where all conflicts are
resolved at the end, suddenly Shakespeare becomes
a little more Chinese. All that is then needed – apart
from a healthy dose of imagination – is to fit in some traditional operatic tunes to conjure up a suitable atmosphere.
Wu Hsing-kuo is one of the most celebrated
contemporary innovators on the Chinese-language
stage and his Contemporary Legend Theatre has
already presented widely acclaimed adaptations
of Macbeth, Hamlet and King Lear. Now they
tackle The Tempest, where love, duty and betrayal
are played out on an untamed island and mystical
happenings defy rational thought. For this tumultuous
journey, Wu is joined by renowned Hong Kong film director Tsui Hark and Oscar-winning designer
Tim Yip, who creates the sets and costumes.
Together they take you into the magical realm of Ariel and Prospero. Be enchanted by animals, spirits, and other magical creatures as Chinese stagecraft embraces Western theatrical tradition.
Immerse yourself in this great English tale of humanity and frailty (in the guise of supernaturalpleasures and pains) by way of extraordinary artists based in Taiwan and Hong Kong. A brave new world awaits you.
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