Chinese Culture Festival 2025: Dongpo: Life in Poems

Embrace the fusion of old and new as China Oriental Performing Arts Group transforms timeless art into a living spectacle!

In a captivating fusion of heritage and modern artistry, the China Oriental Performing Arts Group proudly unveils its latest masterpiece: Dongpo: Life in Poems. This is more than a performance; it offers an immersive journey through time and art, where every movement resonates with centuries of rich Chinese culture, all crafted with international finesse.

Poetry Through Contemporary Operatic Dance

Directed by the acclaimed choreographer Shen Wei, whose accolades include the Nijinsky Emerging Choreographer Award (2004) and a MacArthur Foundation grant (2007), Dongpo: Life in Poems is a contemporary operatic dance inspired by 12 poems by renowned Song Dynasty poet Su Shi (Su Dongpo, 1037–1101). This production goes beyond literal storytelling, delving deep into Su Dongpo’s emotional and philosophical journey.

Shen Wei works alongside a talented ensemble, including composer and music director Chen Qigang and lighting designer Xiao Lihe. In addition to directing, Shen Wei also takes on multiple roles: dramaturg, choreographer, visual and stage director, as well as costume and styling designer.

The Legacy Of Su Dongpo In Motion

This six-act performance skillfully blends cutting-edge contemporary choreography with cherished traditional art forms. Each act draws inspiration from Su Dongpo’s poems, translating his words into expressive movement and audiovisual elements, ranging from classical Chinese painting, calligraphy and seal engraving to the haunting sounds of the guqin, the drama of Chinese opera and the fluidity of martial arts. Through this artistic fusion, the performance beautifully captures the essence of Su Dongpo — his soul, his affection, his melancholy and his longing for home.

Grab Your Tickets Now!

Dance and music are the universal languages of this show, breaking down cultural and linguistic barriers to connect us all. With its amazing choreography, live guqin music and more, the performance offers a profound connection to the beauty of human expression. Don’t miss out on this incredible journey that brings the essence of a legendary poet to life!

Where: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
When: 13 June to 14 June, 7:30pm
How much: $560, $460, $360, $260, $200 — head here to book!

Brought to you in partnership with Leisure and Cultural Services Department, all images courtesy of Leisure and Cultural Services Department.