The History Boys by Theatre Space

Award-winning theatre production “The History Boys”, derived from the work of Alan Bennett, will be staged by Hong Kong-based arts group Theatre Space in October.

“The History Boys” was firstly performed in London in 2004.  It garnered six awards including the “Olivier Award for Best New Play” in 2005, “Tony Award for Best Play” and “New York Drama Critics’ Circle for Best Play” in 2006.  At the same year, it was adapted into a film and played nearly 200 times at the Broadhurst Theatre in Broadway.

The story takes place in a boys’ school in England. Eight boys have obtained the highest scores ever for the A-level examination and aspire to enter either Oxford or Cambridge. To ensure that they would be safely on the road to Oxbridge, the Headmaster hires a young male teacher to train them specifically in examination techniques. However, since the timetable of the eight boys is already full, the Headmaster decides to cut their lessons with other teachers.

The old teacher, who is well-received by students, teaches Language Studies with poetry and prose of all ages, and conducts his classes like singing and drama productions.  The female teacher helps them building a good foundation in their studies of History. The new young teacher’s classes focus on the exams of the admission to the universities but his teaching methods are criticized by the old teacher and are told to turn the history lessons into journalistic writing training.  The performance reflected the education and history issues through the influence of three teachers with different teaching style.

“The History Boys” is directed by Bee Wan.  Jacob Yu is the producer as well as the set and costume designer.  The script is translated by Rupert Chan.  The main cast includes Kiu Po Chung, Luther Fung, Angus Chan, Rebecca Po, Man Kit Chung, Billy Yip, Billy Sy, Peter Chan, Fung Chi Yau, Kan Lap Keung, Owen Kwok, Andy Tang. 

Performed in Cantonese, details of the performances are as follows:

October 4 and 5 (Friday and Saturday) 7:45pm

October 5 and 6 (Saturday and Sunday) 2:45pm

Cultural Activities Hall, Sha Tin Town Hall

Ticket price: $180

October 12 and 13 (Saturday and Sunday) 2:45pm

October 12 (Saturday) 7:45pm

Cultural Activities Hall, Tuen Mun Town Hall

Ticket price: $160

***80% discount of regular ticket price is offered exclusively to HKAAA members until 6 Sept, 2013 when they apply through theatre space. 

“The History Boys” is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.  Tickets are now available at all URBTIX outlets, on the Internet and by telephone credit card booking. Half-price tickets are available for senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and their minders, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients (limited tickets for full-time students and CSSA recipients available on a first-come, first-served basis). Please refer to the programme leaflet for details of the group booking discount.  There will be post-performance talk after each performance. 

The programme contains coarse language, adult content, nudity and smoking scenes.  For programme enquiries, please call 2540 1011 or visit www.theatrespace.org / www.theatrespace.org/repertoire/pt13-historyboys.html/(Facebook)https://www.facebook.com/TheatreSpaceHK.