PRODUCTION King Lear [Lier zai ci]
Data Type：production background
Title：Critiques and Comments from around the World
Source：King Lear Premiere Program
Place：Taipei
Publisher：Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date：2001/7
Language：English
Abstract：a collection of comments from around the world on the Contemporary Legend Theatre
The Guardian:
In any language this is exciting theatre. But it is bonus to see such a well-conceived innovation that combines the dazzle of Peking Opera with the strengths of Western realism.
The Independent:
I can well believe that Wu Hsing-Kuo’s {Kingdom of Desire} marks a great stylistic break through in its native Taiwan. A transposition of {Macbeth} to third century BC China, this is described as a rescue operation on behalf of the Peking Opera. The Physical skills were wonderful. I shall not forget Hsing-Kuo’s back somersault from a high rostrum to be impaled by his rebel army.
Financial Times:
Wu Hsing-Kuo, Wei Hai-Ming and the other performers all deserve their applause.
Evening Standard:
It is the ensemble movements of the high kicking armies, acrobatic messengers, synchronised courtiers, that offers an exciting visual entertainment that has its own moments of brooding violence and emotional intensity that can be enjoyed without knowledge of either Shakespeare or Chinese.
China Times:
The play is an instant hit, the talk of the town. The outstanding performance of the cast deserves big applause.
United Times:
The Contemporary Legend Theatre has found a new path by blending the traditional Chinese theatre and the modern theatre.
Louis Helmer (Director of World Musical Theatre Festival, Amsterdam):
I have heard about CLT… Indeed, one of the best theatre companies in Asia. And what great leading actors they have.
In any language this is exciting theatre. But it is bonus to see such a well-conceived innovation that combines the dazzle of Peking Opera with the strengths of Western realism.
The Independent:
I can well believe that Wu Hsing-Kuo’s {Kingdom of Desire} marks a great stylistic break through in its native Taiwan. A transposition of {Macbeth} to third century BC China, this is described as a rescue operation on behalf of the Peking Opera. The Physical skills were wonderful. I shall not forget Hsing-Kuo’s back somersault from a high rostrum to be impaled by his rebel army.
Financial Times:
Wu Hsing-Kuo, Wei Hai-Ming and the other performers all deserve their applause.
Evening Standard:
It is the ensemble movements of the high kicking armies, acrobatic messengers, synchronised courtiers, that offers an exciting visual entertainment that has its own moments of brooding violence and emotional intensity that can be enjoyed without knowledge of either Shakespeare or Chinese.
China Times:
The play is an instant hit, the talk of the town. The outstanding performance of the cast deserves big applause.
United Times:
The Contemporary Legend Theatre has found a new path by blending the traditional Chinese theatre and the modern theatre.
Louis Helmer (Director of World Musical Theatre Festival, Amsterdam):
I have heard about CLT… Indeed, one of the best theatre companies in Asia. And what great leading actors they have.
