From a James Bond immersive show to an unconventional tattoo exhibition: Here are 7 cultural events you shouldn’t miss in June 2023

Period-defining names and works (re)take the limelight as they bring the contemporary audience on a walk down memory lane

A lot is happening in Hong Kong this month. From the Asian premiere of a ballet classic and the celebration of cultural icons such as Rebecca Pan, who produced the first Broadway-style musical in Hong Kong, to art exhibitions featuring major names in the scene and theatre shows, with inspiration such as Britain’s most famous fictional spy James Bond and the city's collective memories, there's something for families, thrill seekers and art enthusiasts alike in June.

1. La Bayadère
Hong Kong Ballet brings to the stage the Asian premiere of La Bayadére, a famous 19th-century Russian ballet show that is set in the jungles of ancient India and follows the story of Nikiya, a bayadère (temple dancer) who falls in love with Solor, a noble warrior who is betrothed to another woman. Expect soul-stirring music by Ludwig Minkus, opulent sets and costumes by Jordi Roig, and elaborate choreography by Vladimir Malakhov, the Ukrainian ballet dancer who served as the artistic director of the Berlin State Ballet from 2004 to 2014. The performance will also feature guest appearances by principal dancers from The Royal Ballet and Berlin State Ballet.

From June 2 to 4, 2023. Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui

Above La Bayadère by the Hong Kong Ballet (Photo: courtesy of Bobyeah)

2. Off Skin
In this new show by Young Soy Gallery, seven tattoo artists—Iris Yung, Jonathan Tsang, Pong Tse, Lexi Liu, Ray Li, Rikakorp and Ross Turpin—transport their tattoo art from skin to canvas, paper and other fine art mediums to explore the meaning, method and effects of tattoo artistry.

From June 15 to July 2, 2023. Young Soy Gallery, 3 Staunton Street, Central

Above Work by Lexi Liu (Image: courtesy of the artist and Young Soy Gallery)

3. With the Sun, She Quells the Night—A Tribute to Rebecca Pan
Rebecca Pan is a Hong Kong cultural pioneer whose career thus far has spanned five decades and across the music, film and art industries. She kicked off her career as a floorshow performer at the Empire Theatre, the predecessor to State Theatre, in the 1950s. She then produced Hong Kong’s first Broadway-style Cantonese musical Bai Niang Niang back in 1972, and went on to star in Wong Kar-wai’s Days of Being Wild (1990), In the Mood for Love (2000) and Chinese Odyssey (2002). She is also a mentor to a number of Canto-pop stars, including Joyce Cheng and Karena Lam.

Part of the summer programme at The Mills’ Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile (Chat), this tribute exhibition spotlights the defining moments of Pan’s life and career, and her impact on the city’s entertainment scene. It features previously unseen footage from Pan’s personal life, compiled by filmmaker Chan Chung Ki, and archival materials such as costumes, music records, news clippings and photos. Artist Enoch Cheng has also been commissioned to create a large-scale video installation inspired by Bai Niang Niang.

From June 10 to October 23, 2023. Chat, The Mills, 45 Pak Tin Par Street, Tsuen Wan

Above Rebecca Pan in the costume of Bai Niang Niang (1972) (Photo: courtesy of Rebecca Pan)

4. Golden Age
Paintings created during the pandemic by renowned German artist Anselm Kiefer are showcased at Villepin gallery in a new solo exhibition: Golden Age. The title takes inspiration from Greek myths, specifically those alluding to a period of prosperity and peace that are seen as the peak of human civilisation. Imagery of mountains is ubiquitous throughout the show, serving as a metaphor for utopia, while other recurring motifs include bicycles and wheels, conveying the idea of renaissance and cyclical changes. Layered with gold leaf, lead, oil, acrylic, soil and sediment, the paintings incorporate materials which change over time, reflecting the artist’s interest in transcendence and change. The exhibition will also feature a large scale installation and extensive programming including salon talks, educational materials and guided tours to help comprehend Kiefer’s work.

Until September, 2023. Villepin, 53-55 Hollywood Road, Central

Above Für G. Segantini - die bösen Mütter (2022) by Anselm Kiefer (Image: courtesy of Villepin and the artist)

5. Gao Xingjian: Inner Vision
For his ninth solo exhibition with Alisan Fine Arts, Gao Xingjian presents his most recent landscape paintings, which were created over the past two years. Unlike traditional landscapes, Gao’s works are abstracted interpretations that try to capture atmospheric light and shadow, resulting in their characteristic misty aesthetic. Gao is also an accomplished writer, and was the first Chinese recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2000, and his paintings echo his writing, specifically his award-winning novel Soul Mountain. Alisan Fine Arts is staging this exhibition in conjunction with the French May arts festival, and it is Gao’s first solo exhibition after he was awarded the Commander of the Legion of Honour by the French government for the second time in January this year.

Until August 31, 2023. Alisan Fine Arts, Central

Above La Luminosite by Gao Xingjian (Image: courtesy of Alisan Fine Arts and the artist)

6. Joan Miró: The Poetry of Everyday Life
There is still time to catch renowned Spanish artist Joan Miró’s exhibition at Hong Kong Museum of Art. Miró’s abstract interpretations of everyday objects are akin to visual poetry, resulting in his distinctive whimsical aesthetic. There are more than 90 of his works on view at the exhibition, ranging from paintings and sculptures to works on paper and even textiles. Don’t miss the pieces created by local artists including sculptor Leelee Chan, multidisciplinary artist GayBird and illustrator Zoie Lam, which were made in response to Miró’s works.

Until June 28, 2023. The Hong Kong Museum of Art, Tsim Sha Tsui

Above A work featured in The Poetry of Everyday Life (Image: courtesy of the Hong Kong Museum of Art)

7. Bonded City
Following on the heels of its hugely popular shows The Great Gatsby (2021) and Nights at Studio 54 (2022), Secret Theatre returns with a thrilling immersive performance inspired by 007, at an undisclosed location in Central, in which you can assume the role of a secret agent as you investigate the world’s most famous spy. Dress up in a killer outfit, order your cocktails shaken or stirred—who are we to judge—and get cracking on solving this mystery.

Until June 17, 2023. Central

Above Bonded City (Image: courtesy of Secret Theatre)

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Topics

James Bond La Bayadère Joan Miró Art Tattoo

Tatler Asia

From a James Bond immersive show to an unconventional tattoo exhibition: Here are 7 cultural events you shouldn’t miss in June 2023