The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) launched a major publicity initiative today (Saturday, 13 September 2003), unveiling plans for Hong Kong's first "Equal Opportunities Musical", co-produced by RTHK Radio 2 and the EOC.


Speaking at the launching ceremony, Mr. Michael WONG Kin-chow, Chairman of the EOC said, "It is essential to raise awareness and let members of the public know more about their rights and protection under the three anti-discrimination ordinances. Social inclusion is the theme of today's project. I hope that everyone involved in this ambitious production including the audience could stand to gain from the experience. We should respect that everyone is different, irrespective of whether you are a man, a woman or a person with a disability, everyone can in their own way, contribute to society. We are very honoured to have Ms. Gigi LEUNG Wing-kei as the lead female actress in our first "Equal Opportunities Musical", and I would also like to thank RTHK Radio 2 for making this endeavour possible".


Mr. Lee Joi-tong, Head of RTHK Radio 2 and the musical's female lead, famous Canto-pop singer Gigi Leung Wing-kei attended the launching ceremony at RTHK today. The "Equal Opportunities Musical" is a two-month educational programme, beginning with recruitment and training of volunteer performers this September. A drama-training seminar and a radio drama series will follow in October. The highlight of the programme is a stage production to be held at Kwai Tsing Theatre Auditorium. Well-known pop stars and young volunteers will join forces in the musical production at the end of October.


About 200 people were chosen to attend a selection interview for volunteer performers today. 20 successful candidates will participate in the performance of the musical, after completing a series of training sessions to be conducted by famous drama directors and playwrights.


An estimated one million listeners are expected to learn more about equal opportunities by tuning in to RTHK Radio 2, for a radio drama series featuring Ms. Gigi LEUNG Wing-kei and RTHK DJs. The broadcasts are scheduled for 13 to 24 October 2003 (Monday to Friday, 3-5 pm) during "Showbiz", RTHK Radio 2 (FM94.6-96.9). The 10-episode docu-drama series will highlight different real life cases of sex discrimination, disability discrimination and family status discrimination.


The finale of the radio drama series will be a live stage performance of "Equal Opportunities Musical", to be held on 25 October 2003 (Saturday) at Kwai Tsing Theatre Auditorium. Members of the public can stay tuned to "Showbiz" RTHK Radio 2 (FM94.6-96.9), or check the EOC and RTHK websites to obtain free tickets after 13 October 2003.


Enquiry: Mr. Sam Ho 21062187