Hong Kong arts hub reaches out for wider audience with live streaming of Greek tragedy

The arts hub will kick off its online experiment this week with the live streaming of an outdoor performance of Antigone, followed by a dance event in February and a Chinese opera showcase in May.

The cultural district will be among the first in Asia to live stream theatre performances on the internet, which has become a trend among not just young people but also media professionals.

Louis Yu Kwok-lit, executive director for performing arts at West Kowloon Cultural District, said: “The rise of live streaming such as live shows on YouTube and Facebook has posed a question on the future of performing arts. Is the internet our friend or foe? How can we make the most out of this trend to increase audienceship?”

Antigone, which will take place on the rooftop of the West Kowloon onsite temporary office, is a contemporary interpretation of the 2,500-year-old Greek tragedy penned by Sophocles. It will be performed by the Baiguang Theatre Studio from Beijing under the direction of acclaimed Hong Kong theatre director Tang Shu-wing.

The play, the third tragedy from the Theban Plays Trilogy, depicts title character Antigone’s battle in defiance of the law to seek justice for her brother. It will be set against the sunset of Victoria Harbour and the cultural district’s neighbouring ICC Tower.