One-hour productions to make it easy for audiences to enjoy the performing arts every day
ArtisTree in Taikoo Place officially kicks off a new season of performing arts programmes with the launch of ArtisTree Selects: Theatre Bites, which will feature five original British productions from 13 to 22 June and will be served up in one-hour bite-sized sessions.
A highly-tailored initiative – curated by Tony Award-winning producer Brian Zeilinger and founder of Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation Lindsey McAlister, these entertaining and thought-provoking one-hour plays will revolve around climate disruption and social issues including sustainability, gender and diversity; while also poking fun at topics such as spies and gangsters. A series of lunchtime forums and open rehearsals will also offer audiences insights into the thinking behind the plays.
Priscilla Li, General Manager of Taikoo Place said, “ArtisTree Selects: Theatre Bites features five short-and-sweet one-hour plays tailored for busy Hongkongers, who can fit these into their lunch breaks, during Happy Hour or weekends. Our goal is to introduce the performing arts to a wider audience, and ultimately, make arts and culture a part of everyday life.”
Brian Zeilinger, Artistic Director of Theatre Bites said, “We wanted to curate something that speaks to both seasoned aficionados and new audiences in Hong Kong. In the intimate setting of ArtisTree, the stories we’re telling are diverse and poignant, and each aims to provoke and provide an interesting perspective for audience members to consider.”
To further enhance the ArtisTree Selects: Theatre Bites experience, audiences can enjoy a special pairing – the Theatre Bites Double-Bill Package, which gives theatre-goers access to two shows on the same day, on selected dates. Visitors can also sample a large variety of special refreshments at ArtisBar before each performance.
ArtisTree Selects: Theatre Bites Highlights
If Not Me, Who?
This eco-themed musical comedy was written by Lindsey McAlister as a unique concept piece. Turning the traditional format of a play into separate scenarios, it highlights different environmental issues, while taking the audience on an emotional rollercoaster. It features original music by Cirque du Soleil composer Violaine Corradi and her sister, as well as Cirque du Soleil singer Isabelle Corradi.
Sitting
This cleverly written monologue about three portrait models was BAFTA TV Award-winning British actress Katherine Parkinson’s playwriting debut for BBC Arts. Broadway and West End producer Brian Zeilinger will bring this intriguing show to ArtisTree, and will offer a new perspective that speaks directly to Hong Kong audiences. This international premiere will be directed by Alastair Knights, who is known for popular productions such as The Rise and Fall of Little Voice and The Spitfire Grill.
Our Man in Havana
Known for its explosive physical style, Spies Like Us tells the hilarious tale of an accidental British spy in Cold War Cuba, told through the eyes of five young and talented performers. Through the clever use of a single prop – a vacuum cleaner – this award-winning play was adapted from Graham Greene’s famous spy novel, and showcases the Cold War, misinformation and corruption in a light-hearted manner.
Tobacco Road
Also featuring a cast of up-and-coming talents, this sell-out hit by Incognito Theatre Company tells an enthralling story that takes place in the post-WWI London underworld, where five young criminals struggle to find power, wealth and a sense of belonging. With highly-physical choreography, the audience will be in for an intense ride.
No Kids
Created by multi-award-winning company Ad Infinitum, No Kids invites the audience to explore parenthood, gender and diversity through questions raised by co-artistic directors, and real-life partners, Nir Paldi and George Mann. The pair offers an energetic and humorous approach to these ‘heavy’ subjects, all set to a Madonna soundtrack; and the performance promises to be compelling, thought-provoking and full of laughter.
Show Details
Date: 13 – 22 June 2019
Venue: ArtisTree, 1/F, Cambridge House, Taikoo Place, 979 King’s Road, Quarry Bay
Ticketing: Via Taikoo Social
Language: All plays will be performed in English
Enquiries: artistree@swireproperties.com
If Not Me, Who? Photo Credit: Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation