Moon Story is a drawing, an installation, a theatrical space telling the ancient folk story of the moon festival.

The Story is composed of 3 spherical lanterns weaved with the iconic characters of the hopping rabbit, and the full moon rising above the hilltop. Each sphere represents a painting, depicting the ‘scene’ in a 3-dimensional theatrical space, submerging the visitor in this imaginary world.

The 3 lanterns are of 3m, 4m and 4.5m diameters. Triangulation ties together the moon, the rabbit and the hill, as texture and shadows, which trigger the curiosity, imagination and exploration of human beings since the ancient times.

The articulated forms of the 3 “moons” are derived from the boolean operation of the simplified geometry of sphere (the “Moon”), rabbit and hill, in which embedded with abstracted images of these story characters in a three-dimensional form. The spheres are sited as a trio at the field suggesting a theatrical scenery where visitor can meander around. The rabbits and the hill are articulated to imply movement, orientated to dialogue with each other, and to greet the visitors.

The spheres are constructed with welded triangulated steel framework. In collaboration with the renowned Chinese lantern maker from Si Chuan, traditional techniques were employed for surface mounting for lighting effect. Two types of fabrics, Organza for outer surfaces and Spandex for inner, with different transparencies were applied, to give the looming silhouette of the rabbits and hill when viewed from different angles.

A warm and intimate mood is created by the ‘breathing’ lighting – changing colors in a pulsive rhythm to mimick the breathing from within. The three moons become alive interacting with the visitors, who can experience the joy deeply rooted from the memories of the Moonfest.

Design Team : Ida Sze, Billy Chan, Eunice Tsui
Location : Hong Kong
Production : China Performing Arts Agency (a subsidiary of China Arts and Entertainment Group Ltd.) in collaboration with Zigong Haitian Culture Co., Ltd.
Pyromagic Multi-media Productions
Presented by : Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Programme supported by : Department of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. To celebrate 25th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR
Exclusive Sponsor : The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Structural Engineer : Befrank Engineering Consultant Ltd.
Images credits : Courtesy of Ida & Billy Architects Ltd.