FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UOB Proudly Presents The Butterfly Lovers World Premiere
45th Anniversary Highlight Production - A Glorious Fusion of Inspiring Dance & Contemporary Chinese Aesthetic
[Hong Kong — 10 October 2024] Hong Kong Ballet (HKB)’s 45th anniversary highlight programme world premiere of UOB Proudly Presents The Butterfly Lovers 18-27 October for 8 performances at Hong Kong Cultural Centre’s Grand Theatre. This legendary Chinese folktale has been reimagined by an international team of creative minds. Tickets are available now at URBTIX.
A Legendary Chinese Folktale Reimagined
This thrilling world premiere of The Butterfly Lovers from HKB Choreographer-in-Residence Hu Song Wei Ricky and his wife Mai Jingwen tells the epic Chinese legend of humble scholar Liang Shanbo and aristocratic heiress Zhu Yingtai, who disguises herself as a boy in order to study at a prestigious academy. From innocently meeting as students and forging a strong, immediate bond to dangerously rebelling against centuries-old forces that threaten to keep them apart, the lovers face unexpected challenges at every turn, as secrets are revealed and a shocking family betrayal ultimately seals their fate.
With a sweeping original score by acclaimed Chinese composer Tian Mi in collaboration with Macao Orchestra under the leadership of Lio Kuokman, this powerful tale of forbidden love and filial duty features Academy Award winner Tim Yip’s (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) visually stunning sets and costumes that bring to life a world with traditional and modern elements. Transcendent and uplifting, The Butterfly Lovers is a glorious fusion of inspiring dance, contemporary Chinese aesthetics and eternal hope.
Arts Tech Elements Provide a Contemporary Perspective
The set design, imbued with new Chinese aesthetics, promises a unique visual experience for The Butterfly Lovers, immersing the audience with beautiful colours, intricate details, and artistic layout. It represents a blend of traditional cultural homage and innovation. Tim Yip and his team utilize innovative ArtsTech elements to create a multi-layered and delicate stage effect. His intricate designs incorporate 12 dynamic moving screens and immersive digital projections, starkly contrasting with traditional Chinese dance drama sets.
Exquisite Costumes Accentuating Traditional Chinese Aesthetics
Drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese attire, Tim Yip blends it with ballet dance requirements and aesthetics to craft unique and opulent costumes. Special treatments have been applied to capture the essence of ancient China while allowing the audience to appreciate the dancers' intricate footwork.
Violin Concerto Reimagined
The violin concerto The Butterfly Lovers, composed by He Zhanhao and Chen Gang, intertwines tradition and modernity, fusing orchestral music with Chinese folk opera. Standing the test of time, this piece is reimagined in the new ballet by Tian Mi, a renowned composer and music producer in China. The classic violin concerto will be adapted and expanded to enhance the emotional resonance of the story, making the ballet more vivid and moving. Retaining the classic elements of the original work, the ballet incorporates new artistic expressions.
Following its world premiere in Hong Kong, HKB and the Macao Orchestra will present the ballet in Macao for two performances on 9-10 November 2024 at the Grand Auditorium of the Macao Cultural Centre.
Download High Resolution Photos
UOB Proudly Presents The Butterfly Lovers
18 Oct 2024 (Fri) 7:30pm
19-20 Oct 2024 (Sat & Sun), 26 Oct 2024 (Sat) 2:30pm & 7:30pm
27 Oct 2024 (Sun) 2:30pm
Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Tickets are now available at URBTIX
$1,000 (limited VIP tickets), $680, $480, $320, $180
Half price for local full-time students and senior citizens (except $1000 tickets)
Ages 6 and above
Creative Team
Concept, Choreography: Hu Song Wei Ricky
Libretto, Associate Choreographer: Mai Jingwen
Music: Tian Mi (inspired by He Zhanhao and Chen Gang’s The Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto)
Music and Orchestral Arrangement: Zhou Chuhang, Luo Geng, Zhang Qun, Zhang Qiandan, Zhang Boning
Set and Costume Design: Tim Yip
Design Supervisor: Jin Yau
Associate Costume Designer: Mandy Tam
Costume Design Assistant: Lai Wing Ki
Assistant Set Designer: Matthieu Chu Siu Ming
Set Design Assistant: Katie Chow Tsz Wing
Video Design: William Kwok, Yicai Wang
Lighting Design: Yeung Tsz Yan
Sound Design: Roy Cheung
Orchestra Partner: Macao Orchestra
Conductors: Lio Kuokman (18-20 Oct), Tony Cheng-Te Yeh (26-27 Oct)
For interviews and further information, please contact:
Hong Kong Ballet
Jerry Qiu | Communications & Programme Manager | T: 21059753 / 68796734 | [email protected]
Ruth Chung | Assistant Marketing and PR Manager | T: 21059716 / 97417319 | [email protected]
About Hong Kong Ballet
Hong Kong Ballet (HKB) is recognised internationally as a world-class institution that represents Hong Kong's unique character. Since its inception in 1979, HKB has evolved into a vibrant performing arts organisation with a dynamic repertoire, forward-thinking community engagement initiatives and an emphasis on excellence.
Comprised of 50 dancers from all over the globe – Hong Kong, Mainland China and other parts of Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North America, HKB has won recognition both regionally and internationally. With celebrated re-stagings of the classics, neoclassical masterworks by George Balanchine and others and original ballets created for HKB and about Hong Kong. Additionally, HKB performs works by some of today’s most sought-after choreographers, including Alexei Ratmansky, Christopher Wheeldon, Wayne McGregor, Justin Peck, Jiří Kylian, Nacho Duato and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa as well as innovative new works by its Choreographer-in-Residence, Hu Song-wei Ricky, and numerous emerging Hong Kong choreographers.
With almost 50 tours to 11 countries, HKB has recently toured throughout Europe, the US and Asia and places a special emphasis on representing Hong Kong in Mainland China and the West. HKB maintains the Hong Kong Academy of Ballet, a professionally-oriented ballet school, as well as a full schedule of award-winning community programmes and crossover collaborations throughout Hong Kong to ensure ballet is accessible to all. HKB has also produced engaging original videos and dance films that have collectively garnered over 10 million views online, connecting with ballet lovers worldwide.
