Listening Refused: Haruki Murakami's Jazz Wind - Music Theatre

A Literary and Musical Convergence

Returning to the stage after the critically acclaimed success of his previous works, Justin Siu (蕭偉中) presents Listening Refused: Haruki Murakami's Jazz Wind (《拒聼：村上春樹的爵士風》). This immersive music theatre performance marks a significant milestone in exploring the deep-seated connections between Haruki Murakami's iconic literary world and the soulful improvisation of jazz. Licensed by the Haruki Murakami Archival Labyrinth, the production is a multi-sensory experience that weaves together text, live music, and visual storytelling.

The Artistic Vision

The performance serves as a profound psychological tug-of-war between "repression" and "lingering resonance." Inspired by Murakami's early works such as Hear the Wind Sing (1973年風起時) and A Wild Sheep Chase, all the way to Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage, the production reimagines the author's distinctive landscape. In this adaptation, the audience is invited to enter a space where music acts not just as a soundtrack, but as a narrative force that reveals the invisible currents of memory and desire.

Meet the Creative Team

This production features a stellar lineup of artistic talent, led by Justin Siu (Music Director, Playwright, Image & Sound Designer). Joining him on stage are:

• Yu Hagiwara (萩原優): Japanese saxophonist known for his expressive and evocative playing.
• Zoe Lau (劉舜儀): Local actress who anchors the theatrical performances.

The creative direction is further enhanced by Director Chung Siu-hei (鍾肇熙), along with a dedicated team of designers responsible for lighting, set, and costume, ensuring the performance is as visually striking as it is aurally moving.

Venue and Atmosphere

Hosted at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (Theatre), a premier venue in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, this performance provides the perfect backdrop for the intimate yet expansive nature of jazz. The venue's acoustics are well-suited to the rich, layered sounds of the live band, which includes:

• Musicians: Yu Hagiwara (Saxophone), Luo Jingwu (駱敬武), Justin Siu (Double Bass), Chan Hin-kwong (陳衍光), and Lo Yat-ling (羅溢靈).

Whether you are a devoted reader of Murakami's novels or a jazz enthusiast seeking something truly unique, Listening Refused offers a sanctuary in the bustling city. As Murakami wrote: "Dance. You have to dance as long as the music plays." We invite you to be part of this dialogue.

Ticket Information

Tickets are priced at HK$350. You can purchase them through the official ticketing partner, art-mate. We recommend booking early, as previous editions of this production have consistently sold out.

• Venue: Hong Kong Cultural Centre (Theatre), 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.
• Performance Dates: June 19–21, 2026.
• Support: This project is supported by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. Please note that the content does not reflect the views of the Council.