The Butterfly Lovers

EVENT DESCRIPTION

A Legendary Chinese Folktale Reimagined
This thrilling world premiere of The Butterfly Lovers from HKB Choreographer-in-Residence Hu Song Wei Ricky and his wife Mai Jingwen tells the epic Chinese legend of humble scholar Liang Shanbo and aristocratic heiress Zhu Yingtai, who disguises herself as a boy in order to study at a prestigious academy. From innocently meeting as students and forging a strong, immediate bond to dangerously rebelling against centuries-old forces that threaten to keep them apart, the lovers face unexpected challenges at every turn, as secrets are revealed and a shocking family betrayal ultimately seals their fate.

With a sweeping original score by acclaimed Chinese composer Tian Mi in collaboration with Macao Orchestra under the leadership of Lio Kuokman, this powerful tale of forbidden love and filial duty features Academy Award winner Tim Yip’s (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) visually stunning sets and costumes that bring to life a world with traditional and modern elements. Transcendent and uplifting, The Butterfly Lovers is a glorious fusion of inspiring dance, contemporary Chinese aesthetics and eternal hope.

Arts Tech Elements Provide a Contemporary Perspective
The set design, imbued with new Chinese aesthetics, promises a unique visual experience for The Butterfly Lovers, immersing the audience with beautiful colours, intricate details, and artistic layout. It represents a blend of traditional cultural homage and innovation. Tim Yip and his team utilize innovative ArtsTech elements to create a multi-layered and delicate stage effect. His intricate designs incorporate 12 dynamic moving screens and immersive digital projections, starkly contrasting with traditional Chinese dance drama sets.

Exquisite Costumes Accentuating Traditional Chinese Aesthetics
Drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese attire, Tim Yip blends it with ballet dance requirements and aesthetics to craft unique and opulent costumes. Special treatments have been applied to capture the essence of ancient China while allowing the audience to appreciate the dancers’ intricate footwork.

Violin Concerto Reimagined
The violin concerto The Butterfly Lovers, composed by He Zhanhao and Chen Gang, intertwines tradition and modernity, fusing orchestral music with Chinese folk opera. Standing the test of time, this piece is reimagined in the new ballet by Tian Mi, a renowned composer and music producer in China. The classic violin concerto will be adapted and expanded to enhance the emotional resonance of the story, making the ballet more vivid and moving. Retaining the classic elements of the original work, the ballet incorporates new artistic expressions.

Following its world premiere in Hong Kong, HKB and the Macao Orchestra will present the ballet in Macao for two performances on 9-10 November 2024 at the Grand Auditorium of the Macao Cultural Centre.

18.10.2024 (Fri) 7:30pm
19-20.10.2024 (Sat & Sun), 26.10.2024 (Sat) 2:30pm & 7:30pm
27.10.2024 (Sun) 2:30pm