A residency show entitled “MGM 2049” is set to make its debut in December at the MGM Theatre in Cotai, with award-winning mainland Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou being its chief director.
The integrated resort (IR) operator hosted the “MGM 2049: Symposium and Global Recruitment Programme Kick-off Ceremony” yesterday for the show, which, according to an MGM statement yesterday, is Zhang’s “first and only residency masterpiece within the GBA [Greater Bay Area]”, and features a line-up of global creatives and top professionals.
The symposium, where Zhang and MGM China Holdings Limited Chairperson and Executive Director Pansy Ho Chiu-king were among the key speakers, unveiled the show and discussed the concept and breakthroughs of MGM 2049. It also saw the kick-off of the “Global Recruitment Programme”, which is set to create over 200 positions for youngsters interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts.
Ho was quoted by the MGM statement as saying that the event “will showcase an innovative presentation of Chinese cultural heritage, which is empowered by the synergy of originality and technology”.
Ho added that the show also “enables the participation of the younger generation, as we aspire to take the leading role to develop original content and distinct standards, while injecting vitality and sustainability into Macau’s entertainment sector”.
Zhang was also quoted as saying: “We have picked Macau as the base for this creative residency show, as we hope to leverage the international tourism platform of Macau to deepen the global reach of Chinese culture. MGM 2049 will be a fusion of international perspectives, Eastern artistic ingenuity, and futuristic design elements. The show will harness technology and innovation, to bolster Chinese cultural confidence and captivate global audiences with China’s cultural prowess.”
Zhang, whose works include Raise the Red Lantern (1991), Hero (2002) and House of Flying Daggers (2004), also noted during the symposium that the upcoming show is an upgrade of the concept theatrical show “2047 APOLOGUE”, which he created.
MGM 2049 is also a tribute to this year’s 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and 25th anniversary of Macau’s return to the motherland.
In 2049, the PRC will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding, while the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) will mark the 50th anniversary of its establishment. The PRC was founded on October 1, 1949. The MSAR was set up on December 20, 1999, when Portugal’s temporary administration of Macau came to an end, resulting in the city’s return to the motherland.
For more details, visit: https://show-recruitment.mgm.mo/en/.
Chinese filmmaker and MGM 2049 Chief Director Zhang Yimou (left) looks on as MGM China Holdings Limited Chairperson and Executive Director Pansy Ho Chiu-king speaks during yesterday’s symposium at the MGM Theatre in Cotai. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
