Australian ARC Circus Dance Theatre Debuts A Bee Story in Hong Kong This December – Limited Tickets Available!

Award-winning Australian physical theatre production "A Bee Story" to be staged in Hong Kong in December

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has invited the ARC Circus Dance Theatre from Australia to make their Hong Kong debut in early December, presenting four shows of the physical theatre production "A Bee Story" as part of this year's "Cheers!" Series. This family-friendly production blends elements of circus arts, acrobatics, music and dance, inviting audiences of all ages to join a thrilling and hilarious journey about bees moving to a new home, while conveying a message on environmental conservation. There are limited tickets left for the performances. Those who are interested should act quickly to secure tickets.

Inspired by Australia's rich biodiversity and the pressing realities of climate change, "A Bee Story" highlights themes of friendship, sustainability, and teamwork. It tells the story of Queen Bee and Worker Bee whose hive is destroyed by a bushfire, sending them on a journey to rebuild their home. Through a series of comical and thrilling incidents, the bees demonstrate their pollen-collecting prowess, honey-making feats and "super-bee" strength, creating an immersive theatre experience filled with whimsical joy and light-hearted moments.

The roles of Worker Bee and Queen Bee will be played by the troupe's member Sam Ellis and Taijla Morrow respectively. The duo will present the story with humorous physical movement and comedy acting, and expertly demonstrate their stunning skills such as ball juggling, unicycling, rope skipping and flute playing. The colourful costumes draw inspiration from native Australian bees, while the exquisite props reflect the natural beauty of local flora. The show has no spoken dialogue, making it accessible to children and families across cultural backgrounds, and resonate with its universal themes. The production has won the Children's Event Weekly Award and Children's Event Award at Australia's Fringe World 2024.

The ARC Circus Dance Theatre was founded in 2020 by Robbie Curtis, a former member of some of the world's finest circus and dance companies, with a decade of experience in international touring and creative design. The troupe strives to blend elements of circus, dance and theatre narratives that are driven to create high-level works that are emotionally engaging, risk-taking, aesthetically beautiful and accessible.

The "Cheers!" Series: "A Bee Story" by ARC Circus Dance Theatre (Australia) will be held at 7.30pm on December 5 and 6 (Friday and Saturday), and at 3pm on December 6 and 7 (Saturday and Sunday) at the Studio Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets priced at $280 and $320 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 visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/multi_arts/programs_1897.html. Each performance will be followed by a meet-the-artist session (conducted in English with Cantonese interpretation). Members of the audience are welcome to stay behind to join.

The "Cheers!" Series will be held from November to February next year. This series edition will feature five international productions and four local family entertainment programmes, ranging from puppetry and acrobatics to circus, dance, music, theatre, multimedia shows and musicals, to delight audiences during the festive season. For details, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/f_entertainment/groups_1883.html.

Award-winning Australian physical theatre production "A Bee Story" to be staged in Hong Kong in December Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Award-winning Australian physical theatre production "A Bee Story" to be staged in Hong Kong in December Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Award-winning Australian physical theatre production "A Bee Story" to be staged in Hong Kong in December Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes

An incoming passenger was sentenced to 29 days of imprisonment by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (May 23) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted the incoming 58-year-old male passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point yesterday (May 22) and seized 1 981 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes from him. The estimated market value of the seized cigarettes was about $8,100, and the duty potential was about $6,500. He was subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Members of the public should not defy the law.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases