Summer can be a bit slow for events in Hong Kong but don’t worry, the theatre is still buzzing next month! The recent weather has been pretty crazy, so avoid the rain and high humidity with a few hours in the air-con. For June, I’ve made several recommendations for different types of audience members. There’s a musical, a piece of serious drama, a comedy and a theatre show of the absurd. Surely, there’s something out there in Hong Kong’s art scene that’s perfect for you. And as always, you can check out more options at HKELD!
Footloose, the Musical
Put on by Face Productions, Footloose is a musical stage adaptation of the 80’s classic film starring Kevin Bacon. The story follows a teenage boy called Ren from Chicago who moves to Bomont, Georgia, with his mother, only to find the religious town prohibits dancing. The boy finds romance with the town pastor’s daughter, Ariel, and together the couple challenge the town’s small-mindedness in the hope of a rock’n’roll themed prom night. Ren comes swinging into town to prove that if you “Put On Your Sunday Shoes” and “Cut Loose” everything will be a-ok.
Where: Studio Theatre, Grand Cultural Center, Tsim Sha Tsui
When: 29 May – 1 June, 8pm daily and 3pm matinee on Sunday
How Much: $295-395
Website: www.faceproductions.com.hk/footloose
Doubt, a Parable
The award-winning drama by Jon Patrick Shanley is getting its Hong Kong debut from Sweet and Sour Productions. The play is set in the fictional St. Nicholas Church School, in the Bronx, during the fall of 1964. It opens with a sermon by Father Flynn, a beloved and progressive parish priest, addressing the importance of uncertainty. During a meeting with a younger nun, Sister James, it becomes clear that Aloysius harbours a deep mistrust toward her students, her fellow teachers and society in general. Mysterious circumstances lead Sister James to believe that sexual misconduct has occurred. Recommended for teenagers 14 years and up.
Where: Hong Kong Rep Black Box, Sheung Wan Civic Center
When: 29 May – 1 June, 8pm daily and 3pm matinee on weekends
How Much: $250-280
Website: http://hkeld.com/events/view/503
Don Yuan
Don Juan returns in a new comedy liberally adapted from the 17th-century Spanish masterpiece “The Rogue Of Seville” (El Burlador De Sevilla) by Tirso de Molina. The story is re-imagined in Asia as Don Yuan with Donald being a young, rich playboy who has too much time (and too many ladies) on his hands.
Where: Fringe Club, Central, Hong Kong
When: 4-7 June, 7:30pm daily and 3pm matinee on Saturday
How Much: $180-220
Website: http://hkeld.com/events/view/517
L’Immediat
To coincide with Le French May, L’Immediat is an avant-garde performance that is part physical theatre / part circus performance. It looks pretty amazing from the photos that have been provided so far. Created by award winning director, Camille Boitel, a hoarder’s house becomes a playground of clutter for an amazing performance! You’ll never look at a messy room the same way…
Where: Kwai Tsing Theatre, Kwai Fong
When: 20-21 June, 8pm
How Much: $80-280
Website: http://hkeld.com/events/view/472