In collaboration with Hong Kong Ballet*
Hong Kong dance enthusiasts, get ready for a magical trip down the Yellow Brick Road! Hong Kong Ballet (HKB) will commemorate its 45th anniversary by staging Septime Webre’s The Wizard of Oz in the city — the first time that the production will be presented in Asia. There will be five shows of the ballet performance at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre from August 30-September 1, for which tickets are on sale.
The shows will tell the story of Dorothy, who, along with her dog Toto, is transported to the fantastical world of Oz by an intense tornado. There, she meets the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and the Tin Man — and they all set off to meet the mysterious Wizard of Oz, who they hope will give each of them their heart’s desire. Along the way, they encounter the Wicked Witch of the West and her army of flying monkeys, who try to steal Dorothy’s ruby slippers.
The classic story will feature punk rock and 70s funk-inspired characters, and dynamic Yellow Brick Roadies with a hint of K-pop flair and a discothèque Emerald City. Audiences will get to see cutting-edge hologram and facial motion capture technology, 100 yards of LED lights running across the stage, and magical special effects that unexpectedly appear to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The wardrobe department’s 120 costumes, 112 colourful hats, and painted 150 pairs of shoes will add to the experience.
In addition, the cast will include 46 talented children who will perform as Grasshoppers, Poppy Seeds, and other adorable characters. The show will also feature 20 puppets, including Dorothy’s beloved little dog Toto, that will be realistically brought to life by the dancers. Webre’s innovations breathe new life into familiar elements like the vengeful Wicked Witch, and notable scenes include an exotic poppy field dance and a captivating portrayal of the Winged Monkeys that blend male dancers and puppets.
Webre’s The Wizard of Oz has been nominated for several Benois de la Danse awards for Best Ballet, Best Set/Costume Design, and Best New Score, and received a 5-star review on Bachtrack. The Hong Kong shows will have Matthew Pierce’s original live music performed by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, which will complete the Oz experience.
Tickets priced from HK$90-HK$1,000 are available on URBTIX. Those who want to immerse themselves in all things The Wizard of Oz can visit the interactive AIRSIDE mall exhibition ‘Oz Life Journey’ from now until September 4 that will have HKB dancers transform into avatars that do ballet mime and poses, as well as a kinetic interactive programme that activates neon light installations with different lighting effects and patterns triggered by a person’s movements. The Hong Kong Cultural Centre will also host an ‘An Arts Tech Emerald City’ exhibition from August 21-31 that allows participants to travel through an epic twister, use special glasses to uncover Emerald City’s secrets, and make an augmented reality video.
| EVENT | The Wizard of Oz |
| VENUE | Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui |
| DATES | August 30-September 1, 2024 |
| WEBSITE | www.hkballet.com/en/ |
Header image credits: Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios via Kansas City Ballet
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