A cultural revolution in regional theatre is going to be played out on the stage during the Gateway Pacific Theatre Festival, Aug. 15-24.
That's the hope of Esther Ho, the show's producer who is bringing three, world-class productions from Hong Kong to the Richmond stage she feels can act as a bridge to the Asian community.
On Tuesday, Ho told a gathering of media assembled in the Gateway's lobby that the time is right in the Lower Mainland to roll out such an endeavour.
"There is now the population base for this whereas before the opportunity to see these types of performances was very limited," Ho said, adding she and the Gateway's artistic director Jovanni Sy scoured productions in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and other Asian destinations to come up with a selection that would both draw audiences and act as a conduit to the culture.
Kicking off the festival is Detention, a non-verbal, physical comedy set in an after school classroom that combines clowning, martial arts and percussion.
With no translation needed, Ho said Detention is the perfect way to launch the festival.
The remaining two productions - The Isle, and The Fire of Desire - will be presented with subtitles.
The Isle, written by Hong Kong playwright Paul Poon features a couple's encounter on a remote island where their past and present overlap.
The Fire of Desire, which is based on the classic 1900 play, Reigen, explores the frustrations and perspectives on love, marriage, and sex.
Gateway Theatre Board Chair Susan Ness said theatre is a wonderful way to present a window on a culture and narrow the divide between communities.
"And we are very pleased to be bringing community together and celebrating Richmond's cultural diversity," Ness said. "This unique festival promises to be very special."
Also on hand was City of Richmond Coun. Chak Au, who added theatre can act as an effective cultural bridge and lauded the Gateway Theatre for staging the festival.
"This is a very progressive experiment," Au said.
Festival producer Ho said one of the best parts of the coming event is its longterm view.
The plan is to run the festival over a 15-year period with each passing year cultivating an increasing line up of local talent and productions that will eventually graduate to a national touring level.
As well, during year one the festival will provide a masterclass series for up to 10 actors from across the country to take part in workshops taught by visiting artists from Hong Kong.
For more information about the Gateway Pacific Theatre Festival, visit gatewaytheatre.com and click on the "more" tab located on the Pacific Theatre Festival section.
