Chinese opera meets western theatre at Embrace Arts
Issued by University of Leicester Press Office on 22 November 2010
A unique production in which a group of Western performers has collaborated with a Chinese company to produce a brand new Sichuan Opera, will be performed at Embrace Arts, the University of Leicester’s arts centre, on Wednesday 8 December at 7.30pm.
The Flying Panda production of ‘The Story Traders of Sichuan’ is an entertainment with a difference, written by Andy Barrett, whose recent play, ‘Dolly’, had its world premiere at Curve in September and received a four-star review in The Times.
It will feature members of the prestigious Sichuan Opera Troupe of Chengdu in a fusion of Chinese Opera with Western theatre and storytelling.
With the help of an astounding array of costumes, acrobatic routines, evocative song and exotic percussion, the family-friendly production will transport its audience to a land of wise old men, greedy emperors, fiery women, lovers who turn into butterflies and – the highlight of the show – the man who can change face.
Michaela Butter, acting director of Embrace Arts, commented: ‘The Story Traders of Sichuan’ needs to be seen to be believed. It will be a great night out for everybody, from a staff Christmas outing to a family Christmas treat.”
Tickets costing £10 / £8 concessions, or family tickets costing £32 (2 adults and 2 children), are available from Embrace Arts, Richard Attenborough centre, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HA. Tel 0116 252 2455, or visit the website www.embracearts.co.uk. A limited number of Student Standby tickets (£2.50) will be available 30 minutes before curtain up.
‘The Story Traders of Sichuan’ appears at Embrace Arts as part of its tour in the Midlands. It is funded by the Cultural Olympiad’s Igniting Ambition scheme.
Notes to Editors: Further details on Flying Panda and ‘The Story Traders of Sichuan’ can be found on www.flyingpanda.org.
More information about the production at Embrace Arts on 8 December is available from Lucy Stevens, Marketing Communications Assistant, Embrace Arts, email ls229@leicester.ac.uk, tel 0116 223 1525.
Embrace Arts, Richard Attenborough centre, PO Box 138, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HA. Box office: 0116 252 2455; e-mail: arts-centre@le.ac.uk.
About Embrace Arts
As the University of Leicester’s arts centre, Embrace Arts offers opportunities to everyone to participate without barriers in ways that challenge and inspire.
Its welcoming 180-seater performance area, art studios, extensive exhibition gallery and bright foyer space enable people to engage with the arts as audiences, performers and learners.
Still one of the few arts venues that can boast a fully-accessible facility, Embrace Arts provides a focal point for cultural life on campus and in the wider community.
