You know Christmas is almost upon us when you see posters advertising The Nutcracker. Yes, Hong Kong Ballet’s annual presentation of the perennial favourite is back! This one has been re-imagined for the 21st century by celebrated Australian choreographer Terence Kohler in collaboration with Australian dramaturge Clair Sauran, Spanish set & costume designer Jordi Roig and Spanish lighting designer David Bofarull. The brand-new production, with an entirely fresh look and feel, will be accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s magical score, performed live by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta under the baton of Judith Yan. Not to be missed by all the family. 14-16, 22-25 at the Cultural Centre, tickets from URBTIX.
Also this week is the Freespace Fest. Hosted by the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, Freespace Fest is a two-day contemporary performing arts event of music and other experimental performances. From music to dance to installations – artists scheduled to perform include Chochukmo, Qui Hong, Eugene Pao, Joao Marcos Mascarnhas and many more – this will be a fun one, and best of all it’s free with tickets available online only. Drinks are available on site but if you want to eat, bring a picnic basket. 15-16 December at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade.
Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong presents Enlightening Elegance: Imperial Porcelain of the Mid to Late Ming. This exhibition presents local collector Mr. Anthony Cheung’s collection of mid to late Ming imperial wares, in particular, of the Zhengde to Wanli reigns. What’s special about this exhibit – making the long trek out to the Chinese University worthwhile – is the focus on the late Ming imperial porcelain and the emperors’ religious beliefs differentiate this exhibition from many others featuring in general early to mid-Ming imperial wares. Emperors Zhengde (1506-1521), Jiajing (1522-1566) and Wanli (1573-1620) were distinct in their religious beliefs, which are reflected in the imperial porcelain of their times. Hence, in this exhibition are Zhengde imperial wares with Arabic inscriptions and designs of Muslim origin, the fervent Jiajing emperor’s manifestation of Daoist emblems and themes, and also the popular Buddhist and Daoist motifs and designs of the Wanli era. Till 21 April 2013 at the Art Museum of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
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