The Kingdom of Desire
With a cast of 22 actors and 15 musicians from Taiwan, this is an astonishing theatrical adventure that is exclusive to Brisbane Festival 2008.
This extraordinary theatre production is based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth and incorporates the outstanding elements of traditional Chinese opera with sophisticated singing, intricate dancing and thrilling acrobatic fighting.
The story is set in the period of China’s Warring States over 2000 years ago at the peak of feudalism while the nation of Chi is prey to the greed and ambition of Earl Wei-Lei. East City Defender, Au-Shu, and his deputy, Meng, are called to put down Earl Wei-Lei’s rebellion. On the way home from their triumphant expedition, they encounter the Mountain Spirit, who reveals their victorious and tragic futures.
Taiwan’s Contemporary Legend Theatre has created a mesmerising adaptation of Macbeth, resulting in a fusion of traditional Chinese Opera and modern theatre, establishing a brilliant combination of the East and West.
With elaborate costumes and spectacular stage design, The Kingdom of Desire, features the phenomenal Wu Hsing-Kuo, who appeared alongside Plácido Domingo in Tan Dun’s breathtaking opera The First Emperor at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House in 2007, as well as the brilliant Chinese Opera star, Wei Hai-Min.
The Kingdom of Desire is performed in Mandarin with English surtitles.
“This is exciting theatre. Such a well conceived innovation that combines the dazzle of Peking Opera with the strengths of Western realism.” The Guardian, UK
“From The Contemporary Legend Theatre, I see the dream of the theatre of the world.” Ariane Mnouchkine, Artistic Director, Le Theatre du Soleil, France
“…profound, magnificent and totally amazing” Daily Yomiuri, Japan
“…That can be enjoyed without knowledge of either Shakespeare or Chinese.” Evening Standard, UK “Visually stunning.” The Times, UK
Dates
Wed 23 July 2008 - Sat 26 July 2008
Times
Wednesday - Saturday 7.30pm
Venue
QPAC Playhousecnr Melbourne and Grey Street, South Brisbane
Cost
A Reserve $60, B Reserve $50, Groups $45, Schools $20
Further information
Brisbane FestivalWeb: www.brisbanefestival.com.au
Bookings
Location
Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts ComplexCnr Melbourne and Grey Streets
South Brisbane
Seating guide
Take a look at the Playhouse seating plan to see how close you are to the stage.Public transport
Train: South Brisbane Station is opposite QPAC in Grey Street.Bus from city: Departs from Blue stop in Adelaide Street; Orange Stop in Ann Street; Kangaroo A and B stops underneath the Myer Centre; William Street opposite the Treasury Building.
Bus to city: Departs the Cultural Centre Busway on Melbourne Street.
CityCat: A CityCat terminal is located adjacent to QPAC at South Bank.
Taxi: An undercover taxi set-down and pick-up area is provided at the Stage Door of QPAC. Free taxi phones are located in the taxi set-down area, in the Cremorne Theatre Lobby and the coffee shop level of the Playhouse.
Parking
Parking is available on site at the QPAC carpark. Entry via Melbourne St (turn right just before you get onto Victoria Bridge).
Opening hours: Monday 7am-10pm, Tuesday to Friday 7am-midnight, Saturday 8.30am - midnight, Sunday 8.30am-10pm.
There is a pre-paid parking service which offers guaranteed, safe and convenient parking for your visit to the theatre. Car park tickets are issued with your show tickets when booked through Qtix. If booking online, the option to select parking will be displayed when you purchase with your credit card or call Qtix on 13 62 46.
More parking is available at:
- Museum and Art Gallery (entry off Grey Street - just before the dinosaur! Or Stanley Street tunnel)
- Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (entry via Merivale Street or Grey Street)
- South Bank Parklands (Entry via Grey Street)
Accessibility
If you require assistance due to mobility difficulties or other specific needs, please mention your requirements when booking. All theatres have Sennheiser Infra-Red Sound Reinforcement Systems for patrons with hearing impairments. Please enquire when booking.
