The Hong Kong Ballet premiered on Thursday Turandot, a three-act ballet based on Puccini's opera. . The choreographer is Natalie Weir, a talented young Australian. Turandot is a beautiful but cold-hearted princess who sets three riddles for all her suitors, who must die if they fail to solve them. Prince Calaf is the latest to try.

What is most commendable is the way Weir has pared down the story to its essentials. Scenes swiftly follow each other and Weir's depiction of Calaf's solving of the riddles in Act 2 is artful. An ensemble of dancers is on stage constantly and functions like a Greek chorus, accompanying the action either in the background or in some parts where they have more dancing.

Weir also has an eye for theatrical effect. Turandot's first entrance in her glitzy costume is spectacular. However, the shower of silver dust before curtain fall seems more appropriate to a Broadway musical. Bill Haycock's stark sets and costumes are simple yet effective.