Homage to Stravinsky
Hong Kong Sinfonietta
Kwai Tsing Theatre
Reviewed: October 28
'I still encourage producers to localise the play,' wrote Igor Stravinsky of his most famous stage work, The Soldier's Tale. Hong Kong-born choreographer Yuri Ng took the advice to heart, turning the story of a soldier lured by the devil to exchange his violin for a book into an original crossover showpiece that blends dance, narration and music.
After premiering in Japan last year to critical acclaim, the work had its Hong Kong debut last Friday. It was more of a complete recreation than an adaptation of Stravinsky's one-act masterpiece. Except for the music (superbly performed by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta's section principals), every element was re-arranged with wit and surrealism for the East Asian, 21st-century setting, including the title: The Devil's Tale.
