Hong Kong Ballet’s “Romeo + Juliet” opens to full house in New York

The Hong Kong Ballet kicked off its much-anticipated United States (US) tour of "Romeo + Juliet" with a full house at New York City Center on January 13, enthralling the audience with a stunning visual feast set in 1960s Hong Kong.

In this ingenious adaption of Shakespeare's classic, by the Hong Kong Ballet's Artistic Director, Septime Webre, the "old Hong Kong" was vividly brought to life with captivating choreography, intriguing drama, exciting kung fu fighting scenes and splendid cheongsam displays.

Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY), Candy Nip, said she was proud to present to the US audience one of the finest and most international ballet companies in Asia. "The Hong Kong Ballet also represents the creativity, energy and diversity of our city. These brilliant artists are the cultural ambassadors of Hong Kong," she said.

Nip added that this US tour was particularly meaningful as it was the first overseas tour of the Hong Kong Ballet since the pandemic. It was also the grand finale of HKETONY's series of celebration activities for the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Prior to the opening performance, the HKETONY organized a reception bringing guests on a Hong Kong retro tour by exhibiting some of the city's cultural heritage, including Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees, herbal tea shop and mahjong game set, etc. Attended by over 400 guests from the government, diplomatic, academic and business circles, as well as the art and cultural community, the reception also celebrated the imminent arrival of the Year of the Rabbit.

Following two sold-out performances at New York City Center, the Hong Kong Ballet performed their "Romeo + Juliet" to a standing ovation at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Jan 20 & 21, finishing their spectacular US tour on an exciting note.

Hong Kong Ballet enthralled audience with its stunning
Hong Kong Ballet enthralled audience with its stunning
Hong Kong Ballet enthralled audience with its stunning
Hong Kong Ballet enthralled audience with its stunning "Romeo + Juliet" at New York City Center on January 13. In this ingenious adaption of Shakespeare's classic, by Hong Kong Ballet's Artistic Director Septime Webre, the "old Hong Kong" was vividly brought to life with captivating choreography, intriguing drama, exciting kung fu fighting scenes and splendid cheongsam displays.
Speaking at the opening reception, the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, Candy Nip, said Hong Kong Ballet represents the creativity, energy and diversity of Hong Kong, adding that they are the cultural ambassador of the city. Speaking at the opening reception, the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, Candy Nip, said Hong Kong Ballet represents the creativity, energy and diversity of Hong Kong, adding that they are the cultural ambassador of the city.
Attended by over 400 guests from the government, diplomatic, academic and business circles, as well as the art and cultural community, the opening reception also celebrated the imminent arrival of the Year of the Rabbit. Photo shows (from left) the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Ballet, Ms Heidi Lee; Board Member of the Hong Kong Ballet Ms Lindzay Chan; the Deputy Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mrs Vicki Kwok; the Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in New York, Mr Huang Ping; the Artistic Director of the Hong Kong Ballet, Mr Septime Webre; the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, Ms Candy Nip; the Director of Asian Affairs of New York State Governor's Office, Ms Elaine Fan; and the Deputy Permanent Representative and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations, Mr Dai Bing at the event. Attended by over 400 guests from the government, diplomatic, academic and business circles, as well as the art and cultural community, the opening reception also celebrated the imminent arrival of the Year of the Rabbit. Photo shows (from left) the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Ballet, Ms Heidi Lee; Board Member of the Hong Kong Ballet Ms Lindzay Chan; the Deputy Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mrs Vicki Kwok; the Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in New York, Mr Huang Ping; the Artistic Director of the Hong Kong Ballet, Mr Septime Webre; the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, Ms Candy Nip; the Director of Asian Affairs of New York State Governor's Office, Ms Elaine Fan; and the Deputy Permanent Representative and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations, Mr Dai Bing at the event.
Prior to the opening performance, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, organized a reception bringing guests on a Hong Kong retro tour by exhibiting some of the city's cultural heritage, including Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees, herbal tea shop, and mahjong game set, etc.
Prior to the opening performance, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, organized a reception bringing guests on a Hong Kong retro tour by exhibiting some of the city's cultural heritage, including Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees, herbal tea shop, and mahjong game set, etc.
Prior to the opening performance, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, organized a reception bringing guests on a Hong Kong retro tour by exhibiting some of the city's cultural heritage, including Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees, herbal tea shop, and mahjong game set, etc.
Prior to the opening performance, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, organized a reception bringing guests on a Hong Kong retro tour by exhibiting some of the city's cultural heritage, including Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees, herbal tea shop, and mahjong game set, etc.
Prior to the opening performance, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, organized a reception bringing guests on a Hong Kong retro tour by exhibiting some of the city's cultural heritage, including Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees, herbal tea shop, and mahjong game set, etc.
Prior to the opening performance, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, organized a reception bringing guests on a Hong Kong retro tour by exhibiting some of the city's cultural heritage, including Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees, herbal tea shop, and mahjong game set, etc.
Prior to the opening performance, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, organized a reception bringing guests on a Hong Kong retro tour by exhibiting some of the city's cultural heritage, including Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees, herbal tea shop, and mahjong game set, etc.
Following two sold-out performances at New York City Center, the Hong Kong Ballet performed their "Romeo + Juliet" to a standing ovation at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Jan 20 & 21, finishing their spectacular US tour on an exciting note.