The "From Puppets to Humans" Series once again promises extraordinary performances for Hong Kong patrons. Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, performances will include "Circus Funestus" by Sofie Krog Teater from Denmark and "Poe's Curse" by Teatro Corsario from Spain.
Denmark's Sofie Krog Teater produces filmic puppet theatre for teens and adults and is known for its unique comic productions with magical set designs. The theatre first broke onto the international stage with its award winning show "Diva". Then, in 2008, the theatre expanded by working in collaboration with David Faraco on new performances, touring both nationally and internationally.
In Hong Kong the troupe will stage the apocalyptic love comedy "Circus Funestus". The story follows a circus whose microscopic hero, Mr Flea, declares his love for the adorable elephant. His declaration of love makes the villain, Mr Whip, mad with jealousy and he conspires with a bunch of evil props to take over the circus. What was once a circus show is now a power struggle between good and evil, a fight for life and death… and to save the lover and the circus from collapse. Puppets, movies, music and transformative effects create a comical and magical universe for the audience. The programme premiered at the April Festival 2016 in Denmark and went on tour to Italy, France, Russia and Spain. The show will be staged at 8pm on September 21 and 22 (Friday and Saturday), and at 3pm on September 22 and 23 (Saturday and Sunday), at the Studio Theatre of Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets are priced at $200 and $260.
Spain's Teatro Corsario was founded by the Castilla y León Arts Award winner, Fernando Urdiales, in 1982. Its unusual interpretation of Spanish classics has placed it among the most important companies of verse theatre. It also stages modern puppet shows for adults, which have been seen by audiences all over the world. The company has received, among others, the Max Award and Adolfo Marsillach Award, given by Spain's Stage Directors Association.
The group will perform "Poe's Curse", a spine-chilling story based on three works by the celebrated American writer of mysteries and the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe. This puppet thriller performed by leading puppeteers from Spain touches emotions ranging from tenderness to fear. Poor Edgar, dogged by misfortune and guilty of loving the beautiful Annabel Lee, is thrown from one terror to another. Awarded the Critic's Prize, Best Production Award at Lleida Puppet Theatre Festival, Spain, and the Best Show Award at Pula International Festival in Croatia, the show has been performed across Europe. It will be staged at 8pm on October 12 and 13 (Friday and Saturday), and at 3pm on October 13 and 14 (Saturday and Sunday) at the Theatre of Sheung Wan Civic Centre. Tickets are priced at $200 and $260. The programme contains violent scenes and is recommended for ages 16 and above.
Tickets are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/multi_arts/groups_513.html.
This series will feature two sessions of "Puppet Speaks" lecture demonstrations hosted by Dr Lo Wai-luk. Seven speakers and demonstrators will introduce the art of puppetry in Hong Kong and around the world.
September 15 (Saturday) 3pm
Topic: Injecting Life and Personality into Table Top Puppet and String Puppet
Speakers and Demonstrators: Wong Fai, Yip Wai-bun and Chen Ying-ching
October 7 (Sunday) 3pm
Topic 1: Exploring Puppet Musical in Hong Kong
Speakers and Demonstrators: Murphy Tsai, Cheng Pui-ka and King Wong
Topic 2: Art of Puppetry around the World and Child Education
Speaker: Simon Wong
All sessions will be conducted in Cantonese in the Lecture Hall of the Hong Kong Space Museum. Admission is free but online registration is required. For enquiries, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/multi_arts/programs_588.html.
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