Dutch Music Troupe Släpstick to Debut Schërzo in Hong Kong This December

Award-winning Dutch music theatre troupe Släpstick to make Hong Kong debut with "Schërzo" in December

Internationally renowned Släpstick, a group of five musicians from the Netherlands, will perform in Hong Kong for the first time with their unique and delightful "Schërzo" at the Leisure and Cultural Services Department's "Cheers!" Series in mid-December. With virtuosic musicianship, hilarious physical language and unique comedic flair, the troupe will deliver an absurd and entertaining musical feast that allows audiences to appreciate classical music with a playful twist.

In classical music, a scherzo is a vigorous, light, or playful composition, typically comprising a movement in a symphony or sonata. Släpstick takes it literally, blurring the unique physical comedy and musical talent to create a new "Schërzo". The five members of the troupe are all accomplished musicians who will perform masterpieces from Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, Saint-Saens, Gershwin and many more. The five musical comedians will turn the seemingly highbrow classical concert into a whimsical show. Apart from playing multiple oddball instruments, they will also perform works in unexpected but humorous ways. Adding ventriloquism, puppetry, tap dancing, and even Släpstick's popular "21 masterpieces in one minute", all will be rolled up into one fun-filled performance. The production has wonthe Seoul Arts Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Best International Production Award at the South Korea Daegu International Musical Festival.

Släpstick is a five-member music theatre troupe known for its members' outstanding musical capabilities, hilarious antics andquintessentially Dutch wit. The troupe is dedicated to blending innovative concepts with traditional inspirations, and creating performances that encapsulate a whirlwind of musical genres from across the globe.Its productions have toured in many places including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, France, Denmark and New Zealand. The troupe has also won numerous awards includingthe Spirit of the Fringe Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Johan Kaart Prijs of the Dutch National Theatre Prize, and the Comedic Arts Prize of the Kulturstiftung Sparkasse am Niederrhein.

"Cheers!" Series: "Schërzo" by Släpstick (The Netherlands) will be held at 7.30pm on December 13 (Friday), at 3pm and 7.30pm on December 14 (Saturday), and at 3pm on December 15 (Sunday) at the Theatre of Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre. Each performance will be followed by a meet-the-artist session (conducted in English with Cantonese interpretation). Tickets priced at $280 and $340 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. The "Cheers!" Series offers various discount schemes, such as package discounts and family package discounts. For programme enquiries and discount schemes, please call 2268 7323 or visitwww.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/multi_arts/programs_1764.html.

The programme will feature a "Music & Comedy Workshop" (conducted in English with Cantonese interpretation), in which participants will meet members of Släpstick face to face and havethe opportunity to learn their performance and acting skills. The workshop will be held at 11am on December 15 (Sunday) at the Theatre of Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre. Tickets priced at $180 are now available at URBTIX. For details, please refer to the above-mentioned website.

Another highlight in the "Cheers!" Series is "Grug and the Rainbow" by Windmill Theatre (Australia), which will be held from February 28 to March 2 next year. For details of the "Cheers!" Series programmes, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/f_entertainment/groups_1809.html.

Award-winning Dutch music theatre troupe Släpstick to make Hong Kong debut with "Schërzo" in December Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Award-winning Dutch music theatre troupe Släpstick to make Hong Kong debut with "Schërzo" in December Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Award-winning Dutch music theatre troupe Släpstick to make Hong Kong debut with "Schërzo" in December Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Award-winning Dutch music theatre troupe Släpstick to make Hong Kong debut with "Schërzo" in December Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

An international rugby match will be held on November 16 as another test event for the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), the Government announced today.

The match between Hong Kong, China and Brazil will start at 4pm at the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground, a ticketed and paid event with around 3,000 spectators.

2nd test event set for sports park.

While unveiling the preparatory work for the upcoming KTSP test event, Commissioner for Sports George Tsoi highlighted that no tickets will be available for sale on site for this rugby match and people who are interested in it should purchase tickets beforehand.

As for traffic advice for reaching the venue, Mr Tsoi said that similar to the advice for the first test event held in October, the spectators should travel via the Mass Transit Railway (MTR).

“We encourage spectators to use MTR services, Sung Wong Toi Station to get to the venue. No parking space will be provided.

2nd test event set for sports park.

“The nearest drop off point for taxis and private cars will be located outside Kai Tak Sports Park. We thus encourage spectators to use MTR services.”

The sports commissioner also explained that the spectators will have to undergo security screening before they are allowed entry.

“Security screening and a bag search will be required for access into the venue. Please allow more time and arrive at the venue early before the start of the match.”

The Government will work closely with transport operators and Kai Tak Sports Park to ensure that spectators will have a smooth arrival and dispersal experience, as well as throughout their stay at the venue, he added.