“Beyond the Senses” features the renowned Kunju artist Kong Aiping in her ground-breaking re-interpretation of classical Chinese poetry. Set against a serene garden, the main character Ru Yu wanders around and starts to recite and sing about the scenery around her. She eventually realizes that what she sees and hears are but illusory and unreal, and slowly comes to realize the enlightenment and transcendence of life. On the stage, amidst the light strums of the pipa and voice, all enter into a realm of meditation and contemplation.

Atmospheric Music Theatre is Law Wing-fai’s recent artistic direction which utilizes the contemporary theatre as a means of expression. Revolving around the natural timbres of Chinese musical instruments and coupled with poetry, songs, music, dance and various visual elements, it hopes to cultivate a mood for reflection as well as a taste of Oriental aesthetics. “When Petals Fall in Serenity”, the first of Law Wing-fai’s attempt at Atmospheric Music Theatre presented at the end of 2014, was inspired by the images of Dunhuang. “Beyond the Senses” strives to further explore the genre, turning to Chinese xiqu for aesthetic inspiration this time.