Memory Trace of Western Chamber

General

Memory Trace of Western Chamber

In an eagerly awaited return to stage, seasoned dance artist Elsie Chau Kam Ngai partners with choreographer Ong Yong Lock in presenting the production Memory Trace of Western Chamber. Delving deep into her own past, Chau draws the audience into a soul-searching dance theatre through the lens of Cui Yingying, the central character of the Chinese classic Romance of the Western Chamber.

The new commission dance piece marks Tai Kwun’s continuation of featuring established and renowned female dancers which previously included Mui Cheuk-yin and Gigi Yang. As principal dancer with the Hong Kong Dance Company during the 1990s, Chau has flourished locally yet carries the indelible identity of an outsider. The paradox ignites her passion for creating this dance using the feudal-background Western Chamber as background.

The solo performance is equally dance spectacle and bringing on stage Chau’s own vignettes in life. As she embodies Cui, a fascinating literary heroine who defies social mores, Chau parallels the character’s emotions as they both forge their own paths through obstacles.

Bolstered by text from dramaturge Mann Chan and lighting design by Lee Chi Wai, Memory Trace of Western Chamber not only showcases Chau’s dancing prowess but also invites the audience to embark on a journey that summons old memories and finds new poignancy.

Remarks

Performance lasts for around an hour, part of the performance will be in Shanghainese, Putonghua and Cantonese with no surtitles
Recommended for ages 6 and above
No latecomers will be admitted
Programmes are subject to change without prior notice. Tai Kwun reserves the right to make the final decision regarding the arrangements
Unlock Dancing Plaza is financially supported by the HKADC

Creative and Production Team

Concept Creation and Performer: Elsie Chau
Concept Creation and Choreographer: Ong Yong Lock
Dramaturg and Playwright: Mann Chan
Lighting Designer and Creative Support: Lee Chi Wai
Produced by: Unlock Dancing Plaza

Ticketing

Tickets | $300

Tickets available at art-mate.net from 6 March

Patrons may enjoy one of the below discount schemes for each purchase where applicable, available on a first-come-first-served basis for designated shows:

- 40% off for senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and their minders and full-time students

SPOTLIGHT: A Season of Performing Arts 2024 Package:

- 5% off upon single purchase of standard ticket from 2 different shows

- 10% off upon single purchase of standard ticket from 3 different shows

- 15% off upon single purchase of standard ticket from 4 different shows

- 20% off upon single purchase of standard ticket from 5 different shows

* When using package ticket, the Double-Billed "Labyss & Retry Login" is counted as one programme.

Biography

Elsie Chau

Ong Yong Lock

Chan Chi Wah, Mann

Lee Chi Wai

Concept Creation and Performer

Elsie was a former Hong Kong Dance Company Principal Dancer. She played numerous leading roles in the company’s production. She has involved in different forms of arts festivals, including: International Sino Dance Week, Fringe Festival, Asian Art Festival, Hong Kong Art Festival, Singapore Art Festival and so on.

In 1997, she was the company manager of South “Asli” Dance Workshop. She was once the Program Coordinator of the appointed program by Hong Kong Cultural Centre such as Dance Carnival. In 2000, she was invited to perform in the East Dragon Dance Festival 2000 and World Dance 2000 in Tokyo. After 2001, she was the rehearsal assistant for Sat Sa and The Evening Child, performed in Beijing.

Elsie and Ong Yong Lock formed Unlock Dancing Plaza in 2002.

Concept Creation and Choreographer

Born in Malaysia, Ong Yong Lock is now a choreographer, a performer, and an educator. Ong joined the Hong Kong Dance Company and the City Contemporary Dance Company in 1989 and 1993 respectively. He also is a founder member of South 'ASLI' Dance Workshop (SADW) and served as the Artistic Director between 1997 and 2001. In 2002, Ong founded the Unlock Dancing Plaza with Elsie Chau. He had been the Artistic Director for almost two decades since its establishment in 2002 and has been dedicated to promoting and popularizing of modern dance. In 2022, he has taken on the role Creative Director (Public Engagement), focusing on outreach and community projects. He was also the recipient of the “Award for Best Artist (Dance)” from the Hong Kong Arts Development Awards 2014.

Dramaturg and Text Creation

Notably an edgy alternative Theatre director, playwright, screenwriter, dramaturg and teacher. Early works concern in particular the marginal groups and human anxiety in the contemporary world. Acclaimed recent Plays included Fishball (The RTHK Stories of Autism, 2020 New York Festivals TV & Film Bronze Award), Mount Koya Samsara and The Great Little Depression which were also nominated for the Annual Script / Playwright Award at the IATC (HK) Critics' Awards in 2022 and 2019 respectively. Hitherto Chan have created over a hundred varied-genre screenplays, theatre works and collaborations with Choreographers. Cross-cultural works and productions were shown in Japan, Singapore, New York, Beijing and Shanghai. His selective Plays were sponsored by the HK Arts Development Council and published in four Collections namely Toodark, My2th, Playshort and Elysium.

Lighting Designer and Creative Support

Lee has been active in the Hong Kong dance scene as a stage and lighting designer. He had the privilege of working at the Hong Kong City Contemporary Dance Company's technical department in the early stage of his career, and had encountered many who have a profound impact in his development. Keep look for interesting people and communicate with them through creation.
Let the fragments of time mingle with precious works

Memory Trace of Western Chamber