“I have seen tears in the emperor’s eyes, and that to me is more precious than all the gold in the world”

The imperial court is astounded when a plain little bird wins the Emperor of China’s heart with her beautiful pure singing. To keep her close, he imprisons the nightingale in a golden cage. But in the fickle court, she is soon ousted by a dazzling jewel-encrusted mechanical bird. When Death arrives to snatch the Emperor’s life away, who will save his ailing heart?

A visually exciting production of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Nightingale for family audiences using dance, music and video. Developed in association with Half Moon Young People’s Theatre and co-produced by Hong Kong Arts Festival in association with Chung Ying Theatre Company, in partnership with the British Council Hong Kong. The Nightingale ran from 4th-13th March 2005 at Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre in Hong Kong. The UK tour ran from September to October and came to London in November.

2005 is the bicentenary of the birth of Hans Christian Andersen, one of the world’s favourite children’s authors. Born in Odense, Denmark, Andersen wrote stories such as The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling and The Emperor’s New Clothes, which have charmed and delighted children and adults around the world. This exciting new version of The Nightingale offered a unique opportunity for UK and Hong Kong Asian artist, actors and Chung Ying Theatre to collaborate on this timeless classic for family audiences.

4 - 15 March 2005

Shouson Theatre
Hong Kong Arts Centre
2 Harbour Rd
Wan Chai
Hong Kong

UK Tour Dates: September - November

Brighton and London