Countdown for the 26th Macao Arts Festival Begins

Photo: Local production "Protean Cities" will be performed by the Dirks Theatre Arts Association

The casinos often dominate conversations about Macau, so when a cultural event, or any event for that matter, is as big as the Macau Arts Festival (MAF) and not held at a casino heads are often turned. For the entire month of May, the casinos will be brushed aside (well, not exactly, but perhaps they won’t represent Macau for a short while) as a plethora of events takes the city by storm. Widely popular international names as well as budding performers from Macau will come together to offer locals and visitors a little taste of something that can’t be found in a casino.

Lied Ballet

Photo: "Lied Ballet" opens the 26th Macau Arts Festival, performed by Centre Choregraphique National de Tours

Over 100 activities and performances will take place throughout the month, and to christen the 26th edition of the MAF France’s Centre Choregraphique National de Tours will make their Asian debut with “Lied Ballet” on May 1st (with a second show on the 2nd). The performance combines music and dance and exposes the audience to different styles, ranging from baroque to modern. Be sure to hang around after the opening night performance to party alongside choreographer Thomas Lebrun at the Art Plaza outside the Macao Cultural Center.

May 1st and May 2nd at 8pm

MOP350, 300, 200, 100

Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium

Memory Blueprint II

Local acts include "Memory Blueprint II" which takes place in the historic Dom Pedro V Theatre, and in a “quest to recover the Macao of our hearts,” The Soda-City Experimental Workshop Arts Association will add to past works “Memory” and “Memory Blueprint”. The new performance will further explore the question: “How do we retain the original landscape in our minds given the fast course of progress?” which applies as much in rapidly growing Macau as anywhere.

May 2nd and 3rd at 8pm

MOP150, 120

Dom Pedro V Theatre

The Suit

Photo: "The Suit" performed by Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord

Another French performance, this time by Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord, is “The Suit,” which is based on a short story by black author Can Themba. Themba was living in South Africa during apartheid when he was exiled to Swaziland. After being declared a “statutory communist” his works were banned in his native country, which included “The Suit.” The story tells the tale of a middle-class lawyer and his adulterous wife. She is caught in the act and the man with whom she is being unfaithful with jumps out of the window leaving behind his suit. The bizarre punishment the husband imposes on the wife is both humiliating and demeaning. Adapted for the French stage in 1994 by Peter Brook, “The Suit” is a must-see.

May 8th to the 9th at 8pm; May 10th at 3pm

MOP200, 150

Macao Cultural Centre Small Auditorium

Phaedra 2.0 Desires and Lies

Another performance that hits closer to home is The Macao Youth Repertory Theatre group’s performance of “Phaedra 2.0 Desires and Lies”, which is a play based on the Greek classic and was adapted for the stage in the 15th century. The play is directed by Hong Kong-based, award-winning director and actor Tang Shu Wing.

May 15th and 16th at 8pm

MOP150, 120

Sands Theatre

Old Age

Photo: "Old Age" performed by Teatro Praga

Portuguese theater company Teatro Praga will perform “Old Age” and aim to answer the thoughtful question: “Do I say I am old because I am old, or am I old because I say I am old?” You may leave the performance with a newfound sense of what old age is all about or at the very least a new respect for senior citizens.

May 21st and 22nd at 8pm

MOP150

Id Court Building, 2nd floor

Out of Context - For Pina

Photo: "Out of Context - For Pina" performed by les ballet C de la B

Performing “Out of Context - For Pina” is Belgian dance company les ballet C de la B, which has been described by the Guardian as “One of the most influential dance theatre companies in the world.” Director Alain Platel uses virtuoso dancers to mimic chorea - a medical term that refers to an affected nervous system. Chorea can be seen through sometimes almost undetectable facial tics or teeth chatter to violent and traumatic limb jerking and falling to the floor. The powerful performance may be disturbing to some. To get an idea of what the piece involves you may want to watch a short clip - found here.

May 23rd at 8pm and May 24th at 3pm

MOP 150, 120

Macao Cultural Centre, Small Auditorium

Trust

Another performance making its debut in Asia is Falk Richter and Anouk van Dijk’s “Trust.” The production explores the weak foundations of human bonds as relationships build up and break down over a short period of time, especially in light of political and economic tensions after the 2008 collapse of the economy.

May 29th and 30th at 8pm

MOP 350, 300, 200, 100

Macao Cultural Centre, Grand Auditorium

Other Performances and Events

Photo: Kun Opera "1699 The Peach Blossom Fan"

There are several other activities throughout the month including an outdoor cinema at Iao Hon Garden, an outdoor performing arts showcase in Barra Square, traditional Kun opera, a mime show, various concerts, and a series of exhibitions.

Although the 26th Macao Arts Festival (MAF) is still a little way off, tickets go on sale on March 22nd, so now is as good a time as any to pencil in a few events and get tickets.

Click here to see the full program of events.

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