Mathias Woo Arts Tech Theatre Installation

Bach is Heart Sutra

Hong Kong Cultural Centre

  • Round 1: Immersive Theatre

    Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

    4.23 (Fri) - 4.24 (Sat)

    3.15pm, 8.15pm
  • Round 2: Walking Meditation

    Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

    5.8 (Sat) - 5.15 (Sat)

    12nn, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 7.30pm, 8.30pm, 9.30pm

Mathias Woo Arts Tech Theatre Installation

Bach is Heart Sutra

Art Tech on Sound Form Emptiness
Meditate on Heart Sutra Nine Songs in Image and Sound
Walk and Breathe in Mindfulness in Immersive Theatre
Discovering the Heart Sutra is not other than Bach

 

Bach is Heart Sutra, an Art Tech Meditation project, offers the public the chance to experience the multilayered interplay of sounds and images in an immersive theatre. In and off the venue of the Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, a special layout of installation works will be created to guide participants on meditative experiences where they can stroll in mindfulness and discover each breath, each sound.


“An experience that infuses Buddhist philosophy into Christian music-
an amalgamation of religions from the East and the West.
Chow Fan Fu. Art Critic

“Immerse in an infinite mirrored space to understand ‘phantom and reality’.
Grounding, healing, and insightful.”
Buddhist Compassion Bi-weekly Magazine

“Bach is Heart Sutra energise us. I find it meaningful.”
Venerable Sik Tsang Chit. Tung Lin Kok Yuen

 

Bach is Heart Sutra (2020) is the recipient of the DFA Design for Asia Awards 2021 – Merit Award

  • Creative Team

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    • Script & Director: Mathias Woo

      Mathias Woo

    • Lighting Designer

      Mak Kwok Fai

    • Sound Designer

      Can. Ha

    • Music Arrangement

      Cedric ChanLai Tat Wing

    • Voice Recording

      Vanessa Pong LeeDavid YeungRebecca Yip

    • Performance

      Cedric ChanEllen KongDan TseLuka WongDavid YeungRebecca Yip

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    Round 1: Immersive Theatre

     

    In April, a unique chanting and meditation programme will be featured in the Grand Theatre using the Art Tech of immersive audio for a new interpretation of the Heart Sutra, which will be arranged into nine songs with adaptation to Bach’s music. As one listens to each inhalation and exhalation, one becomes aware of the breathing and their rhythms, and develops a fresh understanding of one’s own being. As one takes pleasure in chanting and singing along, the wisdom contained in the 260 words of the Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra can be experienced in the here and now.

    Round2: Walking Meditation

     

    In May, the practice of hand-copying sutra and walking meditation will be brought into an immersive and participatory theatre for interpretation of the famed line: Form Is Emptiness and Emptiness Is Form. By engaging hands and eyes in the traditional practice of hand-copying sutra, the participants will achieve some understanding of the Buddhist scripture. Participants will then take a meditative walk around the immersive theatre where they immerse themselves in the dynamic fusion of the music and video images, and discover the interconnectedness of the Heart Sutra and Bach. By focusing deeply on one’s own body, breathing, and steps in the meditative walks, the individual participant can experience a state of tranquility in the here and now.

  • Z Innovation Lab

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    “Z Innovation Lab 2019” garnered the Red Dot Award in 2020. Curated and designed by Mathias Woo, Z Innovation Lab 2020 is a performing arts project that focuses on the integration of technology and creativity. The theatre serves as a stage and technology laboratory that experiments stage technologies with artists and technical specialists all over the world, to inspire creativity in the theatre industry and expands the possibilities of theatrical performance. We establish a platform for knowledge and ideas exchange, a platform to demonstrate stage technology exploration and showcase various technical configurations and applications, developing a new arts festival paradigm of “Technology + Innovation”.

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    Round 1: Immersive Theatre

    Round 2: Walking Meditation

  • Team | Music | Acknowledgement

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    [Round 1: Immersive Theatre]

    Music

     

    Composed by: Johann Sebastian Bach

     

    Suite No. 1 in G Major BWV 1007
    Cello by Pierre Fournier

     

    Suite No. 1 in G Major BWV 1007: I. Praeludium
    Recorder by Marion Verbruggen

     

    Invention No. 1 in C Major, BWV 772
    Piano by Glenn Gould

     

    The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Fugue simple
    Piano by David Lively

    Prelude and Fugue in C (The Well-Tempered Clavier), BWV 846: Prelude
    Piano by Friedrich Gulda

     

    The Musical Offering, BWV 1079, Sonata sopr’il Soggetto Reale à Traversa. Violino e Continuo: I. Largo
    Performed by Ricercar Consort (Harpsichord by Maude Gratton, Violin by Francois Fernandez, Flute by Marc Hantai, Viola da Gamba by Philippe Pierlot)

     

    Prelude No.21 in B Flat Major BWV 866
    by Jacques Loussier Trio

     

    Suite for Cello Solo No. 6 in D, BWV 1012: 5. Gavotte I-II
    by Maurice Gendron

     

    Sonata for Violin Solo No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001: I. Adagio
    by Shlomo Mintz

     

    Cantata BWV 147: Herz Und Mund Und Tat Und Leben, 10. Chorale, Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude
    Accordion by Stefan Hussong

     

    First Lessons in Bach: Complete, Books 1 and 2
    by KJ Wong

     

    St Matthew Passion, BWV 244
    by Münchener Bach-Chor & Münchener Bach-Orchester
    Conducted by: Karl Richter

     

     

    Design & Production Team

     

    Space and Digital Media Design: Mathias Woo
    Sound Designer: Can. Ha
    Lighting Designer: Mak Kwok Fai
    Digital Image Production: Wing Chan

     

    Heart Sutra Sound Installation
    Design: Mathias Woo
    Programmer: Johnny Sze

    Production, Technical and Stage Manager: Chow Chun Yin
    Rehearsal Master: Charmaine Cheng
    Deputy Stage Manager: Carmen Hung
    Disguise System Operation: Johnny Sze
    Assistant Stage Manager: Onki Chan, Megan Hung
    Make-up & Hair: Billie Siu
    Wardrobe: Bonnie Chan
    Stage Crew: Kenneth Chan, Leung Chi Hang

     

     

    Programme & Marketing

     

    International Exchange Director: Wong Yuewai
    Company Manager (Administration and Finance): Jacky Chan
    Company Manager (Programme): Doris Kan
    Public Relations Manager: Luka Wong
    Programme Manager: Ho Yin Hei
    Assistant Programme Manager / Promotional Video: Ricky Cheng
    Programme and Art Administration Trainee: Stephy Yeung

     

    Season 2021 Key Visual Design: Lee Ken Tsai
    “Hong Kong in Experiment” Game Developer: Lin Cong Min (Taiwan)
    Graphic Design Assistant: Coco Cheung

     

    Video Documentation: 3JBK production
    Photography: Apple Lai, Franz Lai, Vic Shing
    Translation: Moyung Yuk-Lin

     

     

    Acknowledgement

     

    Tung Lin Kok Yuen
    Edgar Hung

     

    The Heart Sutra Calligraphy: Bada Shanren
    The Heart Sutra sign language reference: Buddhistdoor – Channel B

    [Round 2: Walking Meditation]

     

    Music

     

    Composed by: Johann Sebastian Bach

     

    Suite No. 1 in G Major BWV 1007
    Cello by Pierre Fournier

     

    Suite No. 1 in G Major BWV 1007: I. Praeludium
    Recorder by Marion Verbruggen

     

    Invention No. 1 in C Major, BWV 772
    Piano by Glenn Gould

     

    The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Fugue simple
    Piano by David Lively

     

    Prelude and Fugue in C (The Well-Tempered Clavier), BWV 846: Prelude
    Piano by Friedrich Gulda

     

    The Musical Offering, BWV 1079, Sonata sopr’il Soggetto Reale à Traversa. Violino e Continuo: I. Largo
    Performed by Ricercar Consort (Harpsichord by Maude Gratton, Violin by Francois Fernandez, Flute by Marc Hantai, Viola da Gamba by Philippe Pierlot)

     

    Prelude No.21 in B Flat Major BWV 866
    by Jacques Loussier Trio

     

    Suite for Cello Solo No. 6 in D, BWV 1012: 5. Gavotte I-II
    by Maurice Gendron

     

    Sonata for Violin Solo No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001: I. Adagio
    by Shlomo Mintz

     

    Cantata BWV 147: Herz Und Mund Und Tat Und Leben, 10. Chorale, Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude
    Accordion by Stefan Hussong

     

    Prelude and Fugue in C (The Well-Tempered Clavier), BWV 846: Prelude
    Piano by Glenn Gould

     

     

    Creative Team

     

    Chief Curator, Artistic Director, Space and Digital Media Design: Mathias Woo

     

    Lighting Designer: Mak Kwok Fai
    Sound Designer: Can. Ha
    Music Arrangement: Cedric Chan, Lai Tat Wing

    Voice Recording: Vanessa Pong Lee, David Yeung, Rebecca Yip

     

    The Heart Sutra Mentor: Theresa Leung

     

    Graphic Design: Lee Ken Tsai

     

    Design & Production Team

     

    Heart Sutra Sound Installation
    Design: Mathias Woo
    Programmer: Johnny Sze

     

    Production and Technical Manager: Chow Chun Yin
    Rehearsal Master: Charmaine Cheng
    Moving Image Production: Wing Chan
    Disguise System Operation: Johnny Sze
    Music Editing & Mixing: Step Ip
    Assistant Stage Manager: Onki Chan, Megan Hung
    Stage Crew: Ellen Kong

     

     

    Programme & Marketing

     

    International Exchange Director: Wong Yuewai
    Company Manager (Administration and Finance): Jacky Chan
    Company Manager (Programme): Doris Kan
    Public Relations Manager: Luka Wong
    Programme Manager: Ho Yin Hei
    Assistant Programme Manager / Promotional Video: Ricky Cheng
    Programme and Art Administration Trainee: Stephy Yeung

     

    “Hong Kong in Experiment” Game Developer: Lin Cong Min (Taiwan)
    The Heart Sutra Game Developer:
    IVE Higher Diploma in Games and Animation:
    Chan Man Chin, Chau Yi Hei, Chow Wan Him, Ko Ming Chun, Koo Chi Yan, Kwok Hoi Lam, Kwok Hoi Yan, Ma Sin Yi, Tam Sze Chun
    Graphic Design Assistant: Coco Cheung

     

    Photography: Franz Lai, Vic Shing
    Translation: Moyung Yuk-Lin

     

    Acknowledgement

    Tung Lin Kok Yuen
    Edgar Hung

     

    The Heart Sutra Calligraphy: Bada Shanren

  • Ticketing

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    “Dual Immersive Experience” Ticket

    (Immersive Theatre + Walking Meditation)

    $400

    Immersive Theatre Ticket

    $280

    Walking Meditation Ticket

    $180

    Zuni Friends

    Enjoy 15% OFF

    Other discounts (Max. 4 tickets)

    *Each discount offer cannot be used in conjunction with other offers.

    Membership discount at 15% OFF; available at art-mate & URBTIX outlets.

    Broadway Cinematheque members

    MOViE MOViE members

    Membership Discount at 10% OFF; available at art-mate & URBTIX.

    Members of CCDC Dance Inspirations Card
    Members of HK Philharmonic Orchestra Club Bravo
    Friends of The Hong Kong Ballet
    Members of HKRep Pals
    Friends of Hong Kong Dance Company Prestige/Classic Members
    Chung Ying Theatre ‘Energy Fun Club plus’
    Friends of Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra
    HKIFF Cine Fan Student Privilege, Classic Privilege, Patron Privilege

    Membership discount at 10% OFF; available at URBTIX outlets

    Fringe Club member

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    $20 OFF by presenting the ticket stubs or receipts

    Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Tickets
    MOViE MOViE Pacific Place Cinema Tickets
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    (852) 2566 9696/ ticketing@zuni.org.hk

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  • Academic Support

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  • Media Partner

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  • Technical Partner

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  • Terms & Conditions

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    In line with disease prevention and control measures, and to ensure the safety of the public, audience and staff members, hygiene measures are enhanced at performance venues. Entrance guideline and special seat arrangement might adjust according to the latest situation, please pay attention to the latest update. We appologise for any inconvenience caused.

    Zuni Icosahedron reserves the right to add, withdraw or substitute artists, vary advertised programmes, and/or terminate the programme without prior notice.

    【April】Round 1:Immersive Theatre @Grand Theatre

    Running time approximately 70 minutes with no intermission
    No latecomers will be admitted, until a suitable break in the performance.
    Audience may enter the theatre to experience "Art Tech Meditation" at 2:45pm/ 7:45pm. The performance will officially begin at 3:15pm/ 8:15pm.

    【May】Round 2: Walking Meditation @Studio Theatre

    Running time approximately 60 minutes with no intermission
    Audience will need to take their shoes off to enter the installation
    No latecomers will be admitted, until a suitable break in the performance.

    【Zuni Somatics Lab-Know Your Body】Online Workshop @ZLive

    Cantonese workshop with Chinese subtitles
    Available from the date of purchase to 4 June 2021 (Fri)
    Unauthorized recording, filming, downloading, reproduction in whole or in part, broadcasting, and other copyright infringement acts are strictly prohibited. If found, Zuni Icosahedron reserves the right to take legal action.