1357 – Storytelling Through the Body

Even numbers are often considered “good”, and odd numbers “bad”.
But don’t we all prefer a little asymmetric, unconventional oddness in life?

1357 focuses on the symmetric and the unbalanced in life.  Making use of four of the creative elements in daily training routine and artistic creation in physical theatre – mask, body, object and wire work, this production is made up of four short video clips created with snapshots which aim to explore the infinite possibilities between theatre and movie-making.  Each clip covers the showcase and a behind-the-scenes featurette.

Concept and Director: Ata Wong

Conducted in Cantonese with Chinese and English subtitles

The programme does not represent the views of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

Founded in 2010 in Paris by Wong Chun Tat (Ata), Théâtre de la Feuille is currently based in Hong Kong.  Wong was one of the very few graduates of Chinese descent to have completed the two-year Introductory Course and The Laboratory of Movement Study at École internationale de théâtre Jacques Lecoq (Jacques Lecoq).  In addition to his training, Wong also attained the Jacques Lecoq teaching certification in 2018.

Théâtre de la Feuille is made up of performers from different countries and backgrounds who diligently polish their craft by receiving regular training devised by the company, in order to grow as a team that is collectively fluent in self-expression and abundant in creative energy.  The artistic approach of the company is to blend elements East-and-West, where the Western pedagogy of Jacques Lecoq interweaves with the traditional arts of the East.  Not only does Théâtre de la Feuille produce high-quality theatre that experiments with a diverse range of genres and topics, it also aims to glean as much overseas touring experience as possible.  It has gone on 180 overseas tours, performing in over 80 locations in the United States, France, Italy, Croatia, Japan, Korea and the Mainland.

Episode 1: Flying Bird (Available from 15 Jan)

“Lift your head, and you’ll see the massive aircraft flying by through the gap between the skyscrapers.  Sometimes, you can even clearly see the landing gear extending.  If you’re standing on the rooftop, the planes seem to be within arm’s reach.”  In those bygone years, Kai Tak Airport was the place where we took off.

It has been more than twenty years since the Kai Tak Airport was closed, and the deafening aircraft noise in the Kowloon City neighbourhood has died down ever since.  The reluctant goodbyes at the Departure area, the joyful reunions at the Arrival Hall — all such fond memories of our loved ones seem to have become history.

In front of the barbed wires stands a silver-haired old couple, who were happy newly-weds then.  Slowly, they lift their heads skyward again...

Episode 2: The Tempest (Available from 22 Jan)

Adapted from The Tempest by William Shakespeare

In a supermarket, a store manager is working with a marketing consultant.
Behind the collaborative smiles, plots are brewing in their heads.
Frenzied shoppers are elbowing each other aside,
Escalating the rush into a brawl.
The staff just keep working, bent on their robotic routines.
Like a storm without surging waves,
The Tempest is a tragicomedy about caving in.

Episode 3: Bubbles (Available from 29 Jan)

A bottle of shampoo always empties sooner than the hair conditioner.
Seeing the empty shampoo being discarded ruthlessly, the hair conditioner is devastated to see its partner go and tries every means to follow.
In the end, both bottles settle down inside the rubbish bin and live on happily ever after...

Episode 4: Feet in the Air and Head on the Ground (Available from 5 Feb)

In a space of non-equilibrium,
A bunch of people are hung upside down:
Feet in the air,
Head on the ground.
While others on the same podium,
Who take to circumstances come what may,
Just adjust themselves with reverse flair,
And carry on without a frown.