Lost in a distant land, Prince Tamino is pursued by a serpent. He faints after asking the god to save his life. Three ladies in the service of the Queen of the Night appear and save Tamino from the creature. Tamino wakes up after the ladies have left. Bird-catcher Papageno appears and boasts to Tamino that it was he who killed the serpent and saved him. The three ladies then reappear to punish Papageno for lying. They also give Tamino a portrait of the Queen’s daughter, Pamina, who is being enslaved by the evil Sarastro. Tamino falls in love right away with the girl’s portrait.

Suddenly, the Queen of the Night appears. She tells Tamino to rescue her daughter from Sarastro and she will reward him by letting Pamina marry him. Three ladies then give Tamino a magic flute which has the power to change sorrow into joy. They also give Papageno silver bells for protection whilst accompanying Tamino on the journey. Three spirits are sent to guide them.

The two arrive at Sarastro’s temple, Papageno is sent to search for Pamina. Sarastro’s slave Monostatos is pursuing Pamina. Papageno appears to scare him away. He tells Pamina that Tamino is in love with her and will save her from Sarastro. Meanwhile, Tamino learnt that the Queen of the Night is evil instead of Sarastro. He plays his magic flute to charm the animals while following the sound of Papageno’s pipes.

On the other hand, Papageno and Pamina are searching for Tamino through the sound of the magic flute. Papageno plays his bells to charm Monostatos and his slaves who are pursuing them. Sarastro enters and announces that Tamino must undergo trials of wisdom in order to become worthy as Pamina’s husband. The first trial is silence, Tamino and Papageno vow to remain silent in any circumstances. Meanwhile, Monostatos is about to kiss the sleeping Pamina, but he hides away as the Queen of the night appears. She hands a dagger to Pamina and orders her to kill Sarastro with it. She threatens to disown Pamina if she refuses the order.

During the trial, Papageno complains about thirst. An old lady delivers the water and flirts with him until they were interrupted by the thunder. Sarastro sends the three spirits to return the magic flute and the silver bells, along with a table of food for Papageno. Tamino remains silent and completes the first trial. Tamino and Pamina reunite to undergo the remaining trials at the chambers of fire and water with the help of the magic flute that keeps them safe.

The Queen of the Night, her three ladies, and the traitorous Monostatos attempt to destroy the temple. However, they are defeated by the power of the temple. Sarastro blesses Pamina and Tamino while all join in celebrating the triumph of courage, virtue, and wisdom.

₍₁₎ 10/4, 3PM | ₍₂₎ 11/4, 3PM | ₍₃₎ 12/4, 11AM | ₍₄₎ 12/4, 3PM

* The Artistic Internship Scheme is supported by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.

https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/ab/en/aes.php

The Charm of Performing Arts

The arts bring to students experiences that connect life inside and outside the campus.

When textual narrative turns into live performance, lines, movements, lightings and shades on stage cast a spell of charm on the audience. This magical power created by stage performance calls for rumination and reflection, leaving the audience with sentiments of gratification when the curtain falls.

In fact, these arts groups don’t just perform. Their artists will also move downstage to share their creative process as well as the concept and structure of their works at pre/post-performance discussions and workshops, and share with participants on a wide range of topics from the history of drama to the symbolic meaning of a certain prop. These extension activities will reveal to students the flow of stage production and the many facets of performing arts.

Live performance exudes unparalleled charm in the eye of the audience, and gives artists a sense of fulfillment when they engage their audience and receive their warm applause. We believe that engaging in performing arts will bring enlightening experiences to audience and performers alike, and make them more understanding towards others and curious about life. We therefore look forward to the continuous support of principals and teachers to the Scheme. Let’s work together to enrich the arts experience of students and nurture young theatregoers.

* Since Audience Building Office (AB Office) under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD)’s inception in the 2009/10 academic year, the Arts Experience Scheme for Senior Secondary Students by has been providing Other Learning Experiences in Aesthetic Development under the New Senior Secondary School Curriculum and encouraging personal visits to professional performing venues as well as immersion in the arts for enrichment of learning experience.
* Acknowledgement: The Arts Experience Scheme for Senior Secondary Students is supported by the Education Bureau.