Hidden / Manifest – Martial Arts x Performing Art x Art Tech

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Institute of Chinese Martial Studies is proud to stage its original production Hidden / Manifest this winter to dazzle audiences by the integration of martial arts, performing art and art tech. This three-act performance, Hidden / Manifest will stage at the Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre, the City University of Hong Kong between 29 to 30 December, 2023.

“Transforming Lingnan Martial Arts as a Movement and Performing Art through Digital Pedagogy,
Interpretation and Performance” organised by Institute of Chinese Martial Studies (ICMS), is financially supported by the Springboard Grant under the Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme of Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. The two-year programme (2021-2023) aims to create a new effective training system for Lingnan martial arts and provide a digital learning platform with advanced motion capture and other new media technologies. A highlighted programme, “Lingnan Martial Arts Elite Training Programme” (MAETP) focused on training a group of young instructors, choreographers, and performers, who would integrate Chinese martial arts and performing art into a new system for training, practice, and artistic creation.

Over the past two years, MAETP created an integrated system for teaching Lingnan martial arts (LMA). By working closely with martial arts masters representing Lam Family Hung Kuen, Hung Shing Choy Lei Fut, and Fujian Yongchun White Crane, whose movements have been recorded by motion capture and extensively analysed, to explore the possibilities of integrating martial arts and teaching methodologies. 12 programme participants recruited through open audition will be performing at the final performance Hidden / Manifest as a finale. The three-act performance invited accomplished composers, choreographers and new media artists to create this original piece. Renowned celloist and percussionists will perform together with the 12 participants to showcase the integration of martial arts, performing art and art tech.

Alongside, leverage two new media installations – Linear Navigator and iDome, the movements of Lingnan martial arts recorded by motion capture has been transformed into new media exhibits. A new media installation showcases will be held at Singing Waves Gallery, L3, Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre for two weeks. For Linear Navigator, a navigational interface is designed and adapted the annotated animations generated, allowing the audience to explore the technical structure of the LMA system and its core principles therein. Also, with its four-metre-high and hemispherical design, iDome will showcase an excerpt from Act 2 of the Final Performance Hidden / Manifest, providing an immersive and visually stunning experience to the audience.

29 December, 2023 (Fri) 8 pm

30 December, 2023 (Sat) 2 pm

30 December, 2023 (Sat) 7:30 pm (Open to public – pre-registration needed)