Asia+ Festival 2025: A Celebration of World Cultures

Description

From 19 September to 30 November, the third edition of Asia+ Festival brings a dynamic celebration of world cultures to Hong Kong. Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the festival features over 20 exciting events, such as theatrical productions, music and dance performances.  

The festival opens with a bold Korean-led reinterpretation of Chekhov’s classic, The Cherry Orchard, directed by eminent director Simon Stone and starring Cannes best actress Jeon Do-yeon alongside thriller series Squid Game star Park Hae-soo. Set in modern South Korea, this acclaimed production explores themes of change and legacy through a contemporary lens, promising a powerful theatrical experience. It closes with Strangely Familiar, a dance drama directed by Kuik Swee Boon that unites a team from Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Macao in a bold exploration of cultures and identities. The performance uses innovative movement and storytelling to dissolve boundaries and leave a lasting impression on audiences.

Highlights also include South Africa’s award-winning choreographer Robyn Orlin’s dance piece We wear our wheels with pride, paying homage to Zulu rickshaw drivers’ resilience and creativity through a colourful, energetic performance. A refined piano recital by Vietnam’s renowned pianist Dang Thai Son — the first Asian winner of the prestigious International Chopin Piano Competition in 1980 — marks his return to Hong Kong after seven years. His programme features the French impressionistic worlds of Fauré and Ravel in the first half, followed by a second devoted entirely to Chopin. 

Alongside the performances, there will also be two exhibitions. Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2025 showcases vivid Asian traditional costumes, while Rhythms of Childhood: Melodies of Time explores nursery rhymes through global cultural stories. 

Events unfold at iconic Hong Kong venues such as Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Sheung Wan Civic Centre and East Kowloon Cultural Centre, among others.