Hong Kong theatre has never been this popular and hip before. There was a time when going to the theatre meant watching a bunch of professionally trained actors reciting translated Shakespearean text in perfect Cantonese. These outings were considered highly cultured and, yes, entertaining.
But times have changed and with them the definition of 'theatre'. Today, there is a huge crossover between theatre, dance, music, movies, video and fashion. Combining high fashion with dance is not new, internationally or locally, and is always a sure-fire hit with new audiences. Among others screen actors Leung Ka-fai and Carina Lau Ka-ling are following in the footsteps of Cecilia Yip Tung (Magic In The Moonlight) and appearing in a big-stage production, Red Boat, later this year. Recently, Abby Chan and Daniel Yeung's multi-media show, Live Show - Dancing Machine, and CCDC's Strip Teaser have made dance theatre wittier, sexier and trendy here. Next week, fashion designer William Tang will abandon his tape measures again to co-curate an art exhibition, 100 Years Of Hong Kong Fashion, (portrait of actress Chan Po-chu above). It's a good chance to catch up with how popular culture is shaping local cultural and art development from someone who has been involved in crossovers for some time. Choreographer Mui Cheuk-yin and Tang have worked together for years. In the late 80s, Tang helped design clothes for Mui's performances while Mui has choreographed Tang's catwalk shows. Both have worked with innovative artistic director of Theatre Fanatico, Ho Ying-fung. 100 Years Of Hong Kong Fashion, August 12-29 at Pao Galleries, the Arts Centre. 10am-8pm daily. Tel: 2582 0200.
A new look for Edward Lam Dance Theatre after 11 years? Well, a name change anyway, though he's yet to decide what. 'It was at the beginning of this year that I realised the company should no longer be associated with me and my ideologies alone,' says Lam. 'In the past, our productions have been controversial, tackling mainly gay issues, but the group has moved on so much it does others an injustice if it is still linked to my own agenda.' Lam says the company now represents a vision rather than a person. 'We want to work more closely with schools and students and the old name will just get in the way because of what it stands for.'