AUDIENCE members flocked to Hong Kong Cultural Center on May 16-19 to watch the sold-out play “Break Gold,” produced by Shenzhen Pingshan Longma Studio. Written by Zou Jingzhi, the drama stars veteran actors Zhang Guoli, Wang Gang, and Zhang Tielin as three kindred-spirited friends who have vowed to support each other through the ups and downs in their lives in Beijing during the first half of the 20th century. “The performance was outstanding, meticulous, and convincing,” remarked Chan Mo-po, financial secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, who watched the play May 16. “Mainland dramas have always been favored by the Hong Kong audience, and this time was no exception,” he added. Cally Kwong, a Hong Kong deputy of the National People’s Congress, praised the artistry of “Break Gold” and the exceptional performances by the actors. She eagerly anticipates watching shows in Shenzhen and looks forward to more cultural exchanges among art troupes in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Yao Yi, chairwoman of Longma Studio, said that Hong Kong was selected as a destination for the “Break Gold” tour due to the city’s vibrant cultural environment and the fervor and vitality of young Hong Kong residents. Actor Zhang Guoli expressed his awe at the intense passion for theater exhibited by the Hong Kong audience. During the curtain call of the final show in Hong Kong on May 19, he mentioned that since Longma Studio is located in Pingshan District, and he has a troupe there, he encourages theater enthusiasts in Hong Kong to visit Pingshan via a convenient 50-minute high-speed train journey. Moreover, he underscored the studio’s plan to make frequent trips to Hong Kong, presenting excellent dramas such as “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Wotou Guild Hall,” thus contributing to the advancement of cultural development in the GBA. (Cao Zhen) | 