From a globally acclaimed novel and award-winning film adaptation by Ang Lee, to two theatrical versions performed across the UK, it’s no exaggeration to say that Life of Pi by Yann Martel is one of the most iconic stories of the 21st century. Theatre lovers will be glad to know that the play is soon making its Hong Kong debut at the Xiqu Centre.
The original West End production from London has won five Olivier Awards and three Tony Awards, so this is a great chance for Hong Kong audiences to see the magic right on home soil. One of the most remarkable aspects of the Life of Pi play is its use of exquisite puppetry in presenting the various animal characters such as the orangutans, zebras, hyenas, and Richard Parker the Bengal tiger. If you’ve seen The Lion King musical, you’ll know first-hand how life-like puppets can be, and this production includes three very skilled puppeteers who deftly bring the animals to life.
For those who have yet to experience the tale in any format, Life of Pi tells the story of Pi, a young Indian boy who loses his family in a shipwreck and finds himself having to survive while adrift at sea on a lifeboat with a range of animals, including the potentially dangerous tiger Richard Parker. Blending fantasy with reality, it deals with the profound themes of humanity and survival, religion and faith, as well as whether truth and fiction are important at all.
Head to the Xiqu Centre from June 26 to 29 for a very limited six-show run of Life of Pi on stage. Tickets range from $288 to $1,188, with concessions available, but they’re fast running out so get clicking now!
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