The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) will present a devised version of Complicité, London’s Mnemonic from 8 to 11 May at the Academy Drama Theatre, as part of the 35th Anniversary Academy Festival programme. This play is performed by the devising cast under the direction and guidance of Associate Professor Roy Szeto.
Mnemonic is a reconstruction of fragmented memories. It tells three unrelated stories that share one similarity – the search of memories. “Memory is not the truth, but fragments of connection,” says Szeto. To spark the devising process, Szeto invited students to share their memories of Hong Kong at the beginning of the rehearsal period.
“I have always wanted our students to experience the dramatic power of ‘devising theatre’,” says Szeto, emphasising that the presentation of the drama adopts a “work-in-progress” approach. There will be no surtitles during the performances as the “devising” will still be in progress on stage, presenting an exciting challenge and a unique learning opportunity to the students.
As in all other major Academy productions, the production team is from the School of Theatre and Entertainment Arts of the Academy. To project the interweaved connection of the storylines visually, the two Schools work closely to employ innovative technology to experiment with different multimedia effects, developing new artistic and education possibilities for the students. The production is set to offer a whole new visual experience to the audiences, immersing them in a spectrum where reality and fantasy are blurred.
|
Mnemonic Drama in Cantonese This production contains adult elements, suitable for audience aged 12 or above |
|
Mnemonic by Complicité, originally conceived and directed by Simon McBurney and devised by the original company. Performances made possible by kind permission of Complicité, London.
Director: Roy Szeto Translator: Li Wing-hong Associate Directors: Acty Tang, Moon Yip Set Designer: Bill Cheung Costume Designer: Vanessa Suen Wing-kwan Lighting Designer: Leo Cheung Sound Designer: Smile Suen Siu-man Video Media Designer: Rodney Ma Production Manager: Hei Cheung Devising Cast: Lau Oi-sze, Li Ni-shan, Luk Ka-ki, Lee Yiu-ki, Leung Ho-wai, Li Siu-tung, Wong Wa-nin, Yuen Wang-chun, Cheung Yan-ha, Mak Ching-man, Tse Tsz-kwan, Chan Chun-tung, Cheung Chi-ho, Sunny Lai, Lau Wai-yiu, Lee Sum-yu, Leung Yuk-sing, Li Siu-fung |
|
Date: 8 - 11.5.2019 | 7:30pm 11.5.2019 | 2:30pm |
|
Venue: Drama Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts |
|
Ticket Price: $50-$105 |
|
Website: https://www.hkapa.edu/event/mnemonic |
About The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (www.hkapa.edu)
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), established by Government Ordinance in 1984, is a leading tertiary institution in performing arts in Asia. It provides professional undergraduate education and practice-based postgraduate studies. The study encompasses Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film and Television, Music, and Theatre and Entertainment Arts. Its educational philosophy reflects the cultural diversity of Hong Kong with emphasis on Chinese and western traditions, and interdisciplinary learning.
About the 35th Anniversary Academy Festival
(https://www.hkapa.edu/event/series/the-35th-anniversary-academy-festival)
The 35th Anniversary Academy Festival features a series of performances and activities, including musical, opera, dance, drama, Cantonese opera, concerts, film screenings and exhibitions. Due to enthusiastic response from a broad spectrum of the Hong Kong community in its first two years, the annual Festival continues to offer the public a rich variety of performing arts experiences this year, showcasing the students’ talent and vitality. It also celebrates the effort of the graduating classes from the six Schools at the Academy — Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film and Television, Music, and Theatre and Entertainment Arts.