In early March, an ADA-led delegation comprising of Hong Kong artists with and without hearing impairment went to Washington D.C. to participate in QuestFest, a two-week visual arts festival held at Gallaudet University, a university for deaf people in the US. The Hong Kong delegation performed Journey to the West, one of the classical novels of Chinese literature, during the Festival. Attracted by the lively and amusing performance, audiences from around the world gave high remarks to the show amidst bursts of laughter and applause.

Apart from meeting with US State Department officials, the Hong Kong delegation also conducted and took part in workshops, master classes and seminars. These have enhanced the cultural exchange between the US and Hong Kong. Moreover, we were very honored that Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Office, U.S.A. Mr. Donald Tong, J.P. came to attend the show and meet our performers at the back stage. His praise and encouragement was much appreciated.
 

“What I love about Journey to the West is that it is a real "crossroads" piece – not just between Eastern and Western ideas, and deaf and hearing cultures, but by blending traditional Chinese Opera with new technologies like video and contemporary performance forms like hip-hop, it also serves as a meeting ground between past and present, while making use of the full range of dramatic possibilities from comedic expression to sublime spectacle.  — A treat for the eye, the ear and the imagination!”  - Sabrina Hamilton, Artistic Director of Ko Festival of Performance
 
“I was really fascinated about the show… first time seeing the show. Wow, it really hits me!” - Audience
 
“The costume and make-up were so fantastic!” - Audience
 
“The monkey king is wonderful” - Audience

In the meeting with the US State Department officials, the Hong Kong delegation introduced the arts development in Hong Kong with people with disabilities. (Photo provided by William Yip)

Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Office, U.S.A. Mr. Donald Tong, J.P. attended the performance with his family and met the performers.

After attending the show, officials of the US State Department reported the event on the website "America.gov"

Hands in the air - audience applause.

The director and the performers answered audiences' questions at the "Talk Back".

Interpreting the Seven Sins in western culture through a traditional Chinese Opera, the new version of “Journey to the West” attracted audiences of different backgrounds. 

Breaking language barriers, artists across the world mixed and mingled.

Local deaf students were intrigued by the hand movements and performing techniques of Chinese Opera.

Workshops served as a platform to spread the message, Arts for Everyone, allowing the artists to share their theatre experiences with one another. 

Media Interview

Review:

Newspaper:

TV: