“Lost Village,” a new theatre production co-commissioned and co-produced by the National Theatre Company of China, Hong Kong Arts Festival and New National Theatre in Tokyo, will premiere at the 2007 Hong Kong Arts Festival from March 20 to 24.
“Lost Village” is co-written and co-directed by Li Liuyi from Beijing and Oriza Hirata from Tokyo. These two pioneers of contemporary theatre share the same passion: the dialectic of man and history.
The story unfolds with the breaking news of an archaeological discovery in a remote village in China, revealing treasures that trace back to an unknown chapter in history.
The news stops the construction of a Japanese factory. Chinese and Japanese officials, archaeologists, students, businessmen and looters start arriving. A local teahouse becomes the center of the unexpected encounters and conflicts.
An intriguing story seemingly about the excavation of an ancient archaeological site, “Lost Village” digs deep into cultural record, offering insights into Sino-Japanese history while exploring humanity and a global vision.
This unprecedented collaborative theatre project brings talents from two countries together. The sets of fascinating oriental color are designed by renowned stage designer Yan Long from China with collaborative efforts by famous Japanese lighting designer Tamotsu Iwaki. The 13-strong cast is comprised of eight actors from China and five from Japan.
As collaboration between China and Japan, “Lost Village” is important in three aspects. First, the three arts organizations in this joint venture have always put great emphasis on nurturing original works and building cultural heritage. Secondly, this is the first time the Hong Kong Arts Festival, the National Theatre Company of China and the New National Theatre of Tokyo, have collaborated. Thirdly, 2007 has been singled out as a year to further cultural relationships between China and Japan. “Lost Village” is a symbol of these joint efforts in setting a milestone in the chronicles of Asian drama.
“Rehearsals” for Lost Village are currently under way in Beijing. After its world premiere, “Lost Village” will be staged at China’s Children’s Art Theatre in Beijing from the March 31 to April 8, and then performed at Tokyo’s Seinendan Theatre from May 15 to 20.
Touring Schedule:
Hong Kong
20 to 24 March 2007 Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
(Morgan Stanley is sponsoring the premiere run at the 2007 Hong Kong Arts Festival)
Beijing
31 March to 8 April 2007 China Children’s Art Theatre
Tokyo
15 to 20 May 2007 Seinendan Theatre [by stephanieshieh]
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