Hong Kong Ballet Promotes Hong Kong in Toronto & Vancouver

Gala performances by the Hong Kong Ballet in Toronto and Vancouver are feature activities in upcoming “Relaunch Hong Kong” promotions. On May 7, 2004 the troupe will perform at Toronto’s St Lawrence Centre for the Arts; on May 14, the dancers will take to the stage of Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

The troupe will present the North American premiere of the Legend of the Great Archer, an original work by Hong Kong Ballet Artistic Director Stephen Jefferies, which is based on a classic Chinese folk tale about the Archer God and aptly symbolizes Hong Kong’s renewed dynamism and vibrancy.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Canada) (HKETO), organisers of the ballet’s tour in Canada, has partnered with the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) to present the Toronto performance in support of the Renaissance ROM China Initiative.

HKETO Director, Mr Bassanio So, said the legend of the Great Archer – about a hero who saves the world by shooting down nine of the world’s ten scorching suns – symbolizes “how Hong Kong has recovered and relaunched itself by overcoming one difficulty after another since the SARS outbreak.” 

Mr So, who is an Honorary Advisor to the Renaissance ROM Campaign Cabinet, added that the performance will “also act as a bridge for a cultural exchange between the East and the West and make the event a perfect example of a win-win collaboration between Canada and Hong Kong.” 

Director and CEO of the ROM, Mr William Thorsell, recognized the unique partnership between the ROM, the People’s Republic of China, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Toronto’s Chinese community, thanking them for their commitment and support. “We welcome the participation of our friends in this Campaign to support the ROM’s rebirth as Canada’s leading international museum,” he said.

In Vancouver, the HKETO has partnered with the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver (CCC) and the City Government of Vancouver in support of the CCC’s expansion program. 

The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Vancouver and the Hon Adviser of the Hong Kong Ballet Vancouver Performance, Mr Li Yuanming, also pledged support for the event.

Vancouver Mayor, Mr Larry Campbell, said, “Hong Kong Ballet is bestowing a great honour on Vancouver by bringing this premier performance of The Legend of the Great Archer to Vancouver. Our Chinese Canadian community is at the forefront of our city’s cultural, social and economic life and this event will build even stronger ties between Vancouver and Hong Kong.”

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