Programme Information

A ground-breaking opera that pushes beyond conventions
Create a universe unique to you!

One of the major highlights of the 50th HKAF in 2022, Laila is an immersive opera experience that will be available for five weeks over the course of the Festival period. A co-production of the HKAF and the Finnish National Opera and Ballet, it is receiving its international premiere in Hong Kong after its premiere in Finland.

Delivering more than a visual impact, Laila incorporates Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), video-projection mapping, 360 spatial sound and real time sensors to offer a unique, immersive and interactive arts experience in the dome-shaped performance space. In Laila, audiences are invited to co-create her reality and the future world with Artificial Intelligence. The show's music and visual texture evolve and change in interaction with the audience's participation, challenging us to encounter people's hopes, fears and anxieties related to technology and the tutu re unknown.

Programme Laila’s pop-up exhibition showcases the artworks by renowned local artists GayBird Leung, Keith Lam and The Collective (a cross-discipline design & technology studio), to show the variety of creativity in arts and technology. The works from the finalist teams of Arts X Tech Creative Competition will also be exhibited, setting up an "Arts X Tech" dialogue for the artists, students and the general public.

Important Information for the visitor

• Please note that the floor of Laila’s performance space is made of glass.
• There are 8 people experiencing Laila at the same time.
• This production contains strobe light effects, as well as loud sound effects and music.
• Face masks and shoe covers must be worn during the Laila experience. Flat shoes is recommended. Heeled shoes must be removed before the performance and replaced by shoe covers.
• Photography and filming are allowed in the performance space. But it’s forbidden to make or take calls and to live stream to social media.
• Audience age limits to 6 years old.