The Great Gatsby comes to Hong Kong

Hong Kong Ballet has announced details for the world premiere of The Great Gatsby. Created by artistic director Septime Webre, it will debut on 15 February at the Lyric Theatre in Hong Kong.

Written by F Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby centres on an elusive millionaire called Jay Gatsby. It has previously been adapted by David Nixon and Northern Ballet in the UK.

Commented Webre: “When adapting a masterwork to a different medium, it’s not enough to merely be faithful to the book’s intent – you’ve got to illuminate a new facet of the story which hasn’t been presented before. Audiences can expect a gripping tale of love and obsession, excess and passion. It will be a pretty unique experience.”

The Great Gatsby © Dean Alexander
The Great Gatsby © Dean Alexander

And, continuing a policy it began last season, HK Ballet has announced a programme of partner events. These include a Charleston workshop on 29 January; a drinks and ballet gathering called The Roaring 20s; and a Ballet 360º session that will unpack Webre’s creative process.

The creative team for The Great Gatsby is completed by composer Billy Novick, set and costume designer Tim Yip and lighting designer Billy Chan. Live music comes from E Faye Butler, Freddy Au Yeung and the Blue Syncopators.

hkballet.com