Expect to laugh and learn as you delve into the world of performing arts with
ArtisTree Selects, first with a taste of theatre with
Theatre Bites in June, followed by dance shows at
Moving Pieces from August through September.
From 10 to 22 June,
Theatre Bites will bring you not one but five fun and thought-provoking plays. And with the
Theatre Bites Double-Bill Package, you can enjoy two shows on the same day and more. Before you go though, here’s what you need to know about the specially commissioned and curated productions taking centre stage…
They were handpicked.
Tony Award-winning producer Brian Zeilinger and one of the most influential figures in the local arts scene, Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation’s founder Lindsey McAlister, have handpicked four exciting plays out of thousands of shows:
Sitting, No Kids, Our Man in Havana, and
Tobacco Road. McAlister has also written the original play
If Not Me, Who?, to debut at
Theatre Bites.
They are bite-sized.
Short on time or have the attention span of a goldfish? No worries! Each play lasts around an hour, so you can easily enjoy a “bite” of theatre during your lunch break or after work.
They are all about going back to basics.
But there’s nothing basic about that. It challenges the actors to use only their physicality, voice and characterisation, and you as the audience to tap into your imagination. Without elaborate costumes and props, the plays shine a spotlight on the performers’ talents as storytellers.
Get the Double-Bill Package for the full experience!
Immerse yourself in two shows on the same day as well as exclusive food and beverage offers, and socialise over a glass of champagne or an ice cream at ArtisBar before the performance! You will even receive a 50% discount on the package if you are a registered Taikoo Social user, so all the more reason for you to come enjoy the shows. Stay tuned on Taikoo Social to find out more.
They are powerful.
Though short and sweet, the performances are extremely engaging thanks to the intimate ArtisTree setting and powerful storytelling. Through a mix of comedy and drama each piece will explore some of today’s most debated topics. Prepare to be wowed and moved by the stories of:
If Not Me, Who?
McAlister’s innovative concept piece starring an international cast of artists combines elements of comedy, musical and physical theatre to address environmental issues in different scenes. It also features original music by Cirque du Soleil composer Violaine Corradi.
No Kids
Explore gender and diversity issues with Nir Paldi and George Mann, a real-life same-sex couple, as they consider growing their family. This high-energy, humorous and stimulating play by Ad Infinitum will let you in on their personal journeys as the pair face questions such as the environmental impact of childbirth and whether our society accepts families with two dads.
Sitting
Revealing the stories of three seemingly unrelated strangers through conversations with their portrait painter, this production was originally written for BBC Arts by actress Katherine Parkinson. The first international production of this moving play will be directed by Alastair Knights, acclaimed for award-winning shows such as The Spitfire Grill; and produced by Brian Zeilinger, whose impressive list of works includes Broadway and West End hits such as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Dear Evan Hansen.
Our Man in Havana
Created by Spies Like Us, this sell-out production touches on the themes of misinformation and corruption through the hilarious tale of a British salesman-turned-spy in Cold War Cuba. Using just one prop throughout the show – a vacuum cleaner – the intriguing black comedy will blow your mind with its amazing storytelling.
Tobacco Road
An emotive story told by Incognito Theatre Company that looks at feminism in a male-dominated world and the unattainable standards of masculinity. Following the Tobacco Road sign are five young gangsters, who struggle between their morals and the desire to find wealth, fame and a sense of belonging in the underworld of 1920s London.
ArtisTree Selects: Theatre Bites
10-22 June
Book your tickets now via the Taikoo Social app; see the programme page for details.