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The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts will next month (April) present “Phaedra”, a play that investigates the deepest human desires of love and jealousy.
Translator and director Tang Shu-wing, actors Lai Yuk-ching, Cheng Ka-chun, Wong Yee-mun, Cheung Ming-yiu and renowned cellist Laurent Perrin, will bring a cross-cultural fusion of the traditional and the contemporary elements in the re-run.
“Phaedra” was the most vital tragedy of the renowned French playwright, Jean Racine, during the 17th century. The story was set at the court of Troezen, over which Theseus, King of Athens, held sway. Phaedra, the Queen of Athens, loved her stepson, Hippolytus, who was in love with a young princess Aricia. After having learnt the sudden death of Theseus, Phaedra revealed her hidden love for Hippolytus but she was turned away. Full of shame and regret, Phaedra is astonished to learn that her husband has returned alive. On the other hand, Oenone, Phaedra’s servant, makes accusations to Theseus that his own son, Hippolytus has just made immoral advances to his stepmother. A tragedy is about to begin when Phaedra refrains from making her confessions.
The play premiered in Hong Kong in 2005 and won the “Best Production of the Year Award”, “Best Director Award” (Tragedy/Drama), “Best Lighting Design Award” and “One of the Ten Most Popular Productions ” at the 15th Hong Kong Drama Awards.
Secretary-General of the Beijing Theatre Association Yang Qian Wu said: “The super performance of Phaedra has enlightened us about the power of pure drama.” China Daily was also said “the performance of Phaedra is just wonderful!”
Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the programme will be staged at 8pm on April 20 and 21; and 3pm on April 21 and 22 at the Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Ticket prices are $120 and $180, are now available at URBTIX outlets. Half-price tickets are available for senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients (limited tickets for students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients available on a first-come, first-served basis). A 10% discount applies to Friends of LCSD performing venues. Group booking discounts are available for standard tickets: 10% for four to nine tickets, 15% for 10 to 19 tickets, 20% for 20 tickets or more.
For programme enquiries, call 2268 7323; for ticketing enquiries and reservations, call 2734 9009; for credit card telephone bookings, call 2111 5999; for Internet bookings, visit www.urbtix.hk; for more information, visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/cp.
A post-performance talk (in Cantonese) will be held on April 20 and April 22. Audiences are welcome to join.
Ends/Friday, March 9, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:53
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