Vive Le French May!
It’s time again for Le French May, the largest arts festival celebrating French culture in Hong Kong. We preview what’s on this year’s program.
How we love Le French May. This annual arts festival takes place throughout the month of May, and is a joyous celebration of art and culture—not just of our Gallic friends, but of our local artists too. Tickets have already gone on sale, so act fast to secure a seat at the hottest events. Here are our top picks:
Pablo Casals Chamber Music Festival of Prades
Artistic director Michel Lethiec is back in Hong Kong with a troupe of world-class musicians and some of the most eminent figures in classical music, from the French pianist Yves Henry to Dan Zhu, international violinist from Beijing. The event runs for two evenings.
May 31, 8pm. HKAPA Concert Hall
Louis Vuitton: A Passion for Creation
Though conspicuous luxury may be a bit taboo these days, the iconic LV brand will be subject of a series of large-scale works (painting, photography, video) by western and Chinese artists such as Gilbert & George, Paul Chan and Cao Fei, which are intended to explore urban culture and fictional dreamscapes. The highlight of the exhibition is starchitect Frank Gehry’s model of the fabulous soon-to-be-built LV Foundation for Creation. The foundation an open invitation for local artists to join in the exhibition.
May 22-Aug 9, Hong Kong Museum of Art
Serious Playtime: The Modern World of Jacques Tati
A first-time retrospective in Hong Kong showcasing selected feature films and shorts from writer-actor-director Jacques Tati. This Gallic gentleman has been compared to comic legends such as Chaplin and Buster Keaton, but his social ideologies and exquisite mise-en-scène genius is truly one of a kind. Don’t miss his classics “Mon Oncle” (1958 ) and “Playtime” (1967).
May 6-27, Broadway Cinematheque
The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947-1957
What French festival would be without la mode? Jointly presented by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum and our very own Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the exhibition focuses on that decade of post-war couture. Come drool over some of history’s most glittering trends and glamorous gowns by fashion legends Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga and Hardy Amies.
May 20-Sept 28, Hong Kong Heritage Museum.
Les Sept Planches de la Ruse
Translated as “The Seven Boards of Skill,” this contemporary circus act is inspired by the tangram, an ancient Chinese geometric puzzle. Seven huge blocks, each weighing several hundred kilos, sit on conveyer belts and are moved and reconstructed by the performers into infinite combinations. Director Aurelien Bor uses acrobatics, physical theater and modern dance to explore human interaction.
May 15-16, 8:15pm. Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre.
All ticketing info on www.frenchmay.com
Also see: Le Gigs