Spanish Theatre 'Laika' Explores Courage and Friendship Through Multimedia in Hong Kong This January

Spanish award-winning multimedia theatre "Laika" to grace LCSD's "Cheers!" Series in January next year

The "Cheers!" Series, presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, has invited Xirriquiteula Teatre from Spain to perform the multimedia theatre work "Laika" in Hong Kong in mid-January next year. The production employs multimedia elements such as video projection, puppets, automatons and shadow play, which invites audiences of all ages back to the 1950s to witness an interstellar journey about courage, friendship and the true meaning of life.

Inspired by the true story of Laika, the first animal to orbit the Earth, the play follows the clever and gentle stray dog as she passes challenges of space training camp to become the first animal sent into outer space. Along the way, she develops a deep bond with the female scientist responsible for her care and training. Upon discovering that this is a one-way space mission, the scientist decides to embark on a thrilling escape adventure with Laika.

The production incorporates elements beloved by children - space, rockets, science and adventure. An exquisitely crafted puppet dog, skillfully manipulated by the actors, brings Laika to life with remarkable vividness. Automatons are also used to portray the animals in the laboratory. In addition, creative shadow play, film montage and ingenious stage design are used to present a dazzling array of scenes - from hospital and laboratory to snowfield and rocket launch. Combined with the actors' heartfelt performance and compelling musical scores that heighten the story's tension and emotion, the play offers a rich and diverse theatrical experience. Through the touching human-canine bond, it also inspires audiences to reflect on the human drive towards scientific progress and the meaning of life.

The production made its premiere in 2018 and has been adapted into 12 languages, performed more than 400 times across Europe and Asia, becoming one of the company's signature works. It has won the Best Show for Family Audiences at Spain's highest theatre honour MAX Award, alongside the Best Authorship and Direction at the European Children's Theatre Showcase FETEN Award and Best Show for Family Theatre at the Barcelona CRITIC'S Awards.

Founded in Barcelona, Spain, in 1985, the Xirriquiteula Teatre has long been devoted to creating imaginative theatre and street performances for family audiences. Each production is distinguished by meticulous attention to detail and a spirit of innovation. Through collaborative creation with professionals from different disciplines and continuous artistic experimentation, the company commits to bringing audiences exceptional theatre productions.

The "Cheers!" Series: "Laika" by Xirriquiteula Teatre (Spain) will be held at 7.30pm on January 16 and 17 (Friday and Saturday), and at 3pm on January 17 and 18 (Saturday and Sunday) next year at the Theatre of Hong Kong City Hall. The programme will be conducted in English with Chinese and English surtitles. Tickets priced at $220, $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 visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/multi_arts/programs_1904.html.

Each performance will be followed by a meet-the-artist session (conducted in Spanish with Cantonese and English interpretation). Members of the audience are welcome to stay behind to join.

The "Cheers!" Series is being held from November to February next year. This series edition will feature international productions and 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.

Spanish award-winning multimedia theatre "Laika" to grace LCSD's "Cheers!" Series in January next year Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Spanish award-winning multimedia theatre "Laika" to grace LCSD's "Cheers!" Series in January next year Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Spanish award-winning multimedia theatre "Laika" to grace LCSD's "Cheers!" Series in January next year Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Spanish award-winning multimedia theatre "Laika" to grace LCSD's "Cheers!" Series in January next year Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Spanish award-winning multimedia theatre "Laika" to grace LCSD's "Cheers!" Series in January next year Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Spanish award-winning multimedia theatre "Laika" to grace LCSD's "Cheers!" Series in January next year Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CSD fully launches Video Visit e-Booking Service

The Correctional Services Department (CSD) today (December 16) announced the full implementation of the Video Visit e-Booking Service, providing visitors with an additional way of paying visits to persons in custody (PICs).

Starting from today, declared visitors of PICs can make bookings for general visits to them online through the General Visit e-Services Platform (e-Services Platform). Visitors can make bookings for video visits for the next seven days at one of the five Multi-purpose Family and Rehabilitation Service Centres in Mong Kok, Shau Kei Wan, Sheung Shui, Tuen Mun and Sha Tin, or at the Lai Chi Kok Video Visit Centre. Also, visitors can use the Approved Hand-in Articles e-Ordering Service to enjoy the convenience and efficiency of e-services, saving time from shopping for approved hand-in articles on the market and bringing these articles for physical visits.

The CSD has been providing a video visit service for PICs' relatives and friends who have difficulties visiting correctional institutions due to old age, pregnancy, disabilities or other reasons. The CSD has introduced a trial run of this video visit service to declared visitors of PICs at different correctional institutions in phases since November 11 this year. Positive responses have been received since then as the service offers visitors a more convenient and people-oriented visiting experience.

The CSD emphasised that the video visit service aims to bring convenience to the public by providing them with an additional option. Visitors can still pay physical visits to correctional institutions according to their actual needs.

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In order to enjoy the Video Visit e-Booking Service, visitors must be declared visitors of PICs and register for the e-Services Platform in advance. Visitors can also make bookings for physical visits and use the Approved Hand-in Articles e-Ordering Service through the e-Services Platform. Detailed information about the e-Services Platform is available on the CSD's website (www.csd.gov.hk/english/socialvisit/ins_vis_guide.html).

Source: AI-found images