Theatre

‘The Eight Immortals crossing the sea’ is a folklore that has fascinated the Chinese for hundreds of years. What kind of challenge to one’s imagination would it be to create a ‘prequel’ for it, then? In the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra’s new production, The Eight Immortals’ Adventures Prequel, young casts have been recruited through audition to play the famous eight. Would the life of celestials be as happy and carefree as the youngsters think? And how many trials do they need to undergo, in terms of money, family, moral conscience etc., before they achieve eternal life and supernatural powers? Embedded in this contemporary interpretation of an age-old tale is the message to love the earth so that humankind can live in harmony with Nature.

The premiere of The Eight Immortals’ Adventure musical last year has bowled the audience over with its eye-opening stage design and riveting puppetry. This year, the Eight return by popular demand at the International Arts Carnival, but as young, mortal beings. Each would tell what they go through before becoming celestials with magical powers. The musical theatre features music written by the local young composer, Alfred Wong and played by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra with Chew Hee-chiat conducting, and staging by Chow Chiu-lun, Outreach and Education Co-ordinator of the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre. This is a production that offers a new and fantastic angle on Chinese traditional culture – definitely not to be missed!