Madonna flies the flag for Hong Kong: bauhinias, breasts and bravado

Bauhinias, breasts and bravado: welcome to Madonna’s first Hong Kong show. “It’s the year of the monkey, right?” she asks, appearing momentarily sweet and innocent.

In her tightly choreographed show, there’s little room for improvisation. But after courting controversy in Taiwan last week for her politically charged message, she is willing to taunt an expectant and enraptured local crowd. “We’re starting a revolution, we’re fighting for what you believe in. So if you’re a Rebel Heart, put your f**king monkey hands together,” she proclaims.

It’s a wry nod, almost too subtle for a megastar more accustomed to thrusting her groin in the face of vagaries. Then the crimson bauhinia appears, draped across the shoulders of a shirtless dancer.

READ MORE: Madonna in Hong Kong: thousands of fans gather in glittery garb to watch superstar perform at Asia-World Expo

The crowd erupts and Madonna appears to have become the Messiah. It’s the parting shot at the end of a night of Madonna asserting her relevance and cultural immortality amid a set of relentless dance floor anthems spanning three decades, combined with raunchy, religious iconography.

With 32 years in the industry, ten mammoth world tours and 13 albums under her belt, the undisputed Queen of Pop had yet to indulge a Hong Kong crowd on a city stage.

Tickets for tonight’s appearance sold out within 30 minutes – the fastest-selling concert in Hong Kong’s history, prompting another Asia World-Expo date to be added to the Rebel Heart tour.

When she disappeared offstage to change costume, the dancers came into their own in beautifully choreographed routines.

READ MORE: Hong Kong’s 30-year relationship with Madonna: it’s complicated