PLA troupe recreates 'holy' moments
By Nicole Wong (HK Edition)

A scene from 'Holy' by the Art Troupe of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Soldiers June 19, 2007 in Hong Kong. The event marks the 10th anniversary of the city's reunification with the motherland and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of PLA garrison in Hong Kong. [China Daily]

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) troupe is performing in town to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's reunification with its motherland and the army garrison in the SAR. The show will also be held today.

With its theme "Holy" and its unique blend of music, dance, poetry and paintings, the show depicts the ten years the garrison has spent in Hong Kong, and the city's achievements under the "One Country, Two Systems".

"I've been most impressed with the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong in the last decade, as well as the love Hong Kong people show towards the country," said Xiong Yan, director-in-chief of the troupe.

Premiered in 2004 on the mainland, the show "Holy" has won various artists' and actors' awards, notably the special jury's prize at the national contest held by the Ministry of Culture last year.

To establish a further connection between the troupe and the audience, the show has been modified to highlight the historical moments of Hong Kong in the past decade and the love of PLA towards local people.

"I'm confident the Hong Kong audience will embrace the themes, since they show the best of our Chinese culture and our patriotic sentiments," said executive director of the troupe Su Yuguang.

Comprising a prelude, a prologue and three movements, "Holy" will feature the national flag-raising ceremony that symbolizes the handover ceremony and relive the holy moments for the Hong Kong audience.

The second movement, with songs entitled "Hong Kong, I stand by you" and "A soldier's heart", shows slices of life and work of PLA in Hong Kong, and their dedication to protecting the city.

Love runs through the third movement, as the troupe sings "Love in Hong Kong", "Calls of love" and "The romance of thinking of you". The songs touch on their yearning for their loved ones at home, as well as their passion for Hong Kong.

With its expanded themes, the number of actors of "Holy" has also been increased from 100 to 260 for this special performance at the Hong Kong Coliseum, including nationally renowned performers as well as junior artistes in PLA.

"Some of our crew came to live in Hong Kong in 2004, to have real glimpses of the life of PLA in this city," said Su. "We're confident that our performers can make the passion and joy come to live and deliver it to our fellows in Hong Kong."

One of the lead singers of "Holy", the award-winning Tan Jing, expressed her excitement for sharing the joy of the anniversary of reunification with the Hong Kong people.

(HK Edition 06/20/2007 page6)