Bridging the gap between traditional art forms and digital innovation, the Hong Kong Ballet is set to unveil a groundbreaking stage production that ingeniously combines dance, music, design, and technology. Known for its innovative and future-forward approach, the Hong Kong Ballet, which made headlines in 2022 for creating a unique collection of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), is raising the bar once again with its latest endeavor.
The highly anticipated world premiere of “Sam and her Amazing Book of Dinosaurs” will open this year’s International Arts Carnival, promising to be a mesmerizing spectacle for families and arts enthusiasts alike. This production follows the journey of a nine-year-old girl named Sam, who is confronting the anxiety of starting a new school. She finds solace in an ancient book about dinosaurs that she borrows from her teacher. This book becomes a portal to a magical journey, leading her on an extraordinary adventure filled with prehistoric creatures and unexpected friendships.
The creative force behind this performance involves a star-studded team of artists and technologists. Artistic director of the Hong Kong Ballet, Septime Webre, acclaimed composer Nico Muhly, and the multimedia design studio 59 Productions – known for their work on the London 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony and the National Theatre’s production of War Horse – have come together to breathe life into this innovative production.
Mark Grimmer, a director at 59 Productions and the scriptwriter for the performance, expressed his excitement about integrating arts and technology to deliver a rich storytelling experience. He shared how this production, unlike many classic titles with pre-existing foundations, was a completely new concept, allowing for a multidisciplinary collaborative process right from scratch.
Navigating the challenges of working remotely across continents due to the pandemic, the team successfully brought the story to life. 59 Productions took responsibility for the script, set design, video, lighting, and sound, creating a complex, sensitive balance of artistic and technical elements.
Though technology plays a significant role in the production, the emotional resonance and live performance are paramount. Grimmer stated, “It’s for an audience coming in, watching human beings performing on stage – that’s where the emotional power is. Although we use a lot of digital technology in our work, we’re focused on creating live experiences that have an emotional resonance.”
“Sam and her Amazing Book of Dinosaurs” signifies a milestone in performing arts, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms through innovative use of technology, and fostering a fresh, immersive and emotionally resonant experience for audiences. The performance is slated to debut at the Grand Theatre at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, marking the beginning of an exciting new era for the performing arts in Hong Kong.
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