In a rare encounter between kung fu and ballet, martial arts experts trained Hong Kong Ballet dancers extensively in combat and collaborated with Webre to design and choreograph the production's spine-tingling action scenes, infusing modern details into a classic tale of forbidden love.
The costumes similarly reflect Hong Kong's position between the East and the West. Elegant qipao (the traditional Chinese dress for women) appear alongside leather jackets, while bold patterns, vivid colors and striking accessories help define the personalities of the characters. The effect is neither a historical reconstruction nor a simple period piece, but a theatrical portrait of a city in transition.
Falling in love with Hong Kong's energy, Webre sees the production as something deeply personal. "This production is a love letter to Hong Kong," he says.
That sense of affection gives Romeo + Juliet an emotional dimension beyond its tragic central romance. Through Prokofiev's sweeping score, the physical vocabulary of martial arts and ballet, and the distinctive imagery of Hong Kong, Shakespeare's familiar story becomes a tribute to a city whose identity has long been shaped by encounters between cultures.
For ballet dancer Chun Wai Chan, the invitation to dance Romeo carries an equally personal resonance.
As a principal dancer of New York City Ballet — the first Chinese principal in the company's history — Chan has performed some of the world's most demanding classical roles. Yet when Hong Kong Ballet invited him to join Romeo + Juliet, his response was shaped by both artistic curiosity and the opportunity to return closer to home.
"I was very happy when I received the invitation," Chan recalls. He had already seen Hong Kong Ballet perform the production in New York and was immediately drawn to its distinctive interpretation. At the same time, he knew the role would be demanding. He had encountered challenging versions of Romeo and Juliet before and initially had to consider whether he could take on another demanding production amid his own international schedule.
Ultimately, the particular character of Hong Kong Ballet's production persuaded him. "I really love this version," he says, adding that the chance to perform it — and to return to his home region — made him excited to accept.
