RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS
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Highlights of dance programmes included contemporary performances by the acclaimed Cloud Gate Dance Theatre from Taiwan, the creative Random Dance Company from the UK and the local City Contemporary Dance Company. Ballet performances by the Kirov Ballet and the Hong Kong Ballet were well received. There was also a series of flamenco and other ethnic dance performances by companies such as the Compañia Maria Pagés from Spain, the National Dance Company of Korea and the Dance Drama Troupe of China Opera and Dance Theatre, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of various traditions.
On the multi-arts front, the Military Band of the People's Liberation Army of China and the People's Liberation Army Forces, Hong Kong gave a combined musical and drill performance to celebrate the HKSAR's 5th Anniversary. Cookin' from the Republic of Korea, Canada's Circo Commedia and Harry Wong's Magic Made in Hong Kong as the programmes in the 'Comedy Series' were well received. Other highlights included the multimedia music theatre M Garden by Kung Chi Shing and His Friends, multimedia theatre Heading West by the Theatre Fanatico as well as puppet performances by the Pikkari Theatre from Japan.
A large number of the theatre programmes presented were works by local creative forces including the Chung Ying Theatre Company, Zuni Icosahedron, Theatre Ensemble, Actors' Family and the Prospects Theatre. Performances were also given by the China National Drama Theatre.
In 2002, major Chinese opera programmes included The Gems of the Qi School of Peking Opera by the Zhejiang Peking Opera Troupe with guest artists from the China Peking Opera Theatre, the Shanghai Peking Opera Theatre and the Peking Opera Theatre of Jiangxi Province to pay tribute to Zhou Xinfang (a famous Peking Opera master) for his outstanding artistry, and A Showcase of Traditional Cantonese Opera of the Southern School by the Cantonese Opera Troupe of Wuchuan City of Guangdong. Two Kunqu opera programmes were arranged to arouse people's interest in that art form. Newly commissioned Cantonese opera works included Lee Kwong Wong, a story based on Shakespeare's King Lear; Xining Reform; A Ghostly Tale; Rhododendron Mountain; and Between Laughter and Tears.
During the year, the department sponsored or jointly organised with consulates general and cultural institutions various large-scale activities to promote cultural exchanges. These included French and Japanese cultural shows. With a view to promoting contemporary music, the department co-presented with the Hong Kong Composers' Guild and the Composers and Authors Society of Hong Kong the 'ISCM World Music Days 2002 Hong Kong'.
Entertainment Programmes
During the year, a total of 663 carnivals and entertainment programmes were organised by the LCSD in parks, playgrounds, community halls as well as in the department's cultural venues. These covered a variety of performing arts presentations and attracted more than 782 600 people.
Outdoor entertainment extravaganzas included the Spring Lantern Festival, Easter Family Fun Day, Summer Fun Gala, Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival, Christmas Fun Gala and New Year's Eve Countdown Carnival. Celebrating the Spring Lantern and Mid-Autumn Festivals, the department staged for the first time spectacular lantern displays at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza to promote traditional Chinese culture among tourists and local residents. Thematic programmes such as the