Crime and Punishment

Updated: 08 January, 2024

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the writer/director of 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, Mr Phillip Breen, is unable to fully participate in the rehearsals in Hong Kong. Due to the changes that would be required for the production, and in order to better present the entire work, the performances will be postponed to the year 2025. Patrons who bought tickets to 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 will receive a refund. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your kind understanding.

For details, please refer to the Hong Kong Arts Festival website: https://visit.hkaf.org/ovunzo

Source: Hong Kong Arts Festival 香港藝術節

From self-judgement to self-redemption in a battle between good and evil
A stunning Hong Kong cast meets a stellar creative team from the UK


Young, impoverished and possessed by self-righteousness, an ex-student commits murder in the name of alleviating human misery but ends up with a tormented conscience. He later meets a prostitute with a pure soul, who shines a beacon of light on his path. Will he spiral deeper into anguish, or will he finally resurrect himself in a moment of truth?

A masterpiece by Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment traces the protagonist’s psychological journey and moral dilemmas after he commits the crime. Probing the relationships between the individual and society, morality and power, and religion and freedom, the drama revolves around the protagonist’s battle with himself and others, illuminating the conflicts between radicalism and tradition, and free will and the will of God.

Adapted and directed by Phillip Breen, an Associate Artist of the Royal Shakespeare Company, the 2024 Hong Kong version embodies a contemporary touch and features a powerhouse local cast. Terrance Lau, who has received awards for best actor from Hong Kong Theatre Libre and the Hong Kong Film Critics Society, and received widespread critical acclaim for his recent theatre, film and TV performances, portrays the student-turned-murderer in the throes of guilt. Celebrated actress Cherry Ngan plays the prostitute with a heart of gold. Ben Yuen, named Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Horse Awards, plays the relentless inspector in pursuit of righteousness.

With its thrilling drama, poignant characters and enthralling live music, Crime and Punishment is a world-class production resulting from an international collaboration between a star-studded line-up of local artists, and a renowned English director and his creative team. It is a theatrical reflection on good and evil that sets the heart ablaze.

Commissioned and produced by the Hong Kong Arts Festival

Performed in Cantonese with Chinese and English surtitles
This production may contain strong language, smoking scenes, violence, sexual references and adult content
Recommended for ages 16 or above
9 Mar 2:30pm is an accessible performance with audio description in Cantonese. Please call 2777 1771 to reserve the audio description device in advance
Approx. 3 hrs incl. one interval

Ticket Price (HK$)

A/$720
B/$600
C/$480
D/$360