Le French May has offered audiences a rich cornucopia of French culture since its inception in 1992, bringing some of the world's biggest French stars, hottest shows and most spectacular exhibitions and concerts to Hong Kong.
Now in its 16th year, the event has grown to be the largest French arts festival in the Asia-Pacific region and Hong Kong's biggest cultural attraction. It is organised by the Consulate General of France in collaboration with the Alliance Française, with visitor numbers swelling each year.
"Le French May offers a vast array of artistic events, promising to be even richer and more diversified than ever in 2008," said Jean-Pierre Thébault, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau. "The purpose though remains the same: to satisfy a constantly growing public, surprise them, and guide them on their journey to the discovery of new artistic forms."
Full spectrum of arts
Events to be held throughout May and June cover a full spectrum of the arts, from opera and contemporary music to theatre, dance, drama, exhibitions, cinema, circus acts and more. The star-studded line up includes this year’s special feature the Gao Xingjian Arts Festival, an all-encompassing celebration featuring the theatre, film, novel, poetry and paintings of 2000 Nobel Prize Winner (for literature) Gao Xingjian. The artist himself will attend the 10-day festival (22 May – 11 June), which includes the world premiere of his play, Of Mountains & Seas, on campus at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
French choreographer Béatrice Massin shows her passion for baroque dance in Let my joy remain. To be performed on June 6 by Fêtes Galantes Company, the ballet is described as "light, sparkling, (and) full of soft bubbles… a huge success everywhere it goes". Ms Massin also choreographs The King is Dancing, a divine ballet portraying the young life of Louis XIV, at Hong Kong Arts Centre on 3 June.
Rain/Bow is a thrilling visual feast of juggling ballet and circus art pieces by Jérôme Thomas Company. Full of mystery and sensuality, this contemporary show is sustained by the surprising and emotional music of the Austrian composer Max Nagl. Performances will be held on 2 and 3 June.
Balance of cultures
Asphodel Theatre Company’s new play Harlequin Travels in China is based on the aesthetic encounter between Commedia dell' Arte (European opera) and Chinese Opera (playing 13 May). The aim of this performing art is to form a perfect balance between tradition and modernity. Based on a simple plot including conspiracy, adventure and wedding, the play will present the wonderful richness of cultural sharing between these two traditions.
Gifted young pianist Jean-Frédéric Neuburger will make his Hong Kong début with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta in a much-anticipated performance on May 30. Werther, an emotion-filled opera in four acts, is another must-see event, to be presented by L’Esplanade Opéra Théâtre de Saint Etienne in the Grand Theatre of Hong Kong Cultural Centre 8 – 10 May.
A highlight of the exhibitions category is A Taste for China: Paris 1730 – 1930, jointly presented by Musée Guimet and the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Specially curated for Hong Kong, the exhibition focuses on the artistic and intellectual movements that flourished in Paris from the 18th to the 20th century, when a taste for Chinese art played a major role.
Of course, no French event would be complete without great food. Throughout the festival Hong Kong’s best French restaurants will serve up a feast of special menus especially prepared for the occasion. Full details may be found on the web site. www.frenchmay.com
