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Published on March 10, 2008

In the round, 1,300-seat performance tent on the lawn by Hong Kong's Hung Hom ferry pier, Theatre Zingaro (Italian for "gypsy") is thrilling viewers with pace, precision, passion and creativity in a spectacular horse show entitled "Battuta".

With freedom the theme, the show features dextrous riders on 36 horses running vigorously around the circle stage, with a continuously flowing waterfall at the centre.

Accompanied by an eclectic, pulsating score of Hungarian fox trots, wedding marches and Slovakian and Romanian folk music, the 70-minute performance is thoroughly captivating.

Despite some repetitive daredevil routines, the variety of characters in colourful costumes and props - like the fleeing bride in a wedding gown and the ferocious father-in-law waving his walking cane - and the magnificent lighting design add another dramatic dimension to the show, whose simple plot is loosely structured.

In the end, "Battuta" is much more than a stunt act or a circus. It's evidence of man's unique bond with horses, and hence this unique artistic collaboration. At many times it looks as if these well-bred and well-rehearsed horses were performing willingly, creating their own acts without human control.

The fact that the company members, their families and horses all live in a nomadic community in Aubervilliers, north of Paris also corresponds to the central concept of the gypsy way of life being portrayed.

The almost full house showed whole-hearted appreciation not only the fact that Hong Kong - the 2008 Olympic equestrian host city - has had a long and enduring passion for horses, but also that yet another one-of-a-kind, world-class performance had been given.

The show is an import, but it fits local tastes perfectly. And while the Hong Kong Arts Festival wraps up this Sunday, the horses of Theatre Zingaro will continue galloping by the pier until March 23.

PAWIT MAHASARINAND

SPECIAL TO THE NATION