Hong Kong Arts Development Council Expresses Deepest Condolences over the Passing of Veteran Dramatist Ko Tin-lung

The Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) expresses great sorrow over the passing of renowned veteran dramatist Mr Ko Tin-lung and extends its deepest condolences to Mr Ko’s family.

Throughout his life, Mr Ko has made enormous contributions to the theatre. In addition to being a versatile artist in theatre as artistic director, director, playwright and actor, he was also dedicated to nurturing new generation of talents. Mr Ko participated in many renowned theatre productions including I Have a Date with Spring and The Legend of the Mad Phoenix in collaboration with Mr To Kwok-wai, Raymond. Both works, hailed as classics in Hong Kong theatre, enjoyed rave reviews, multiple re-runs and box office success.

Mr Ko was the first Chinese artistic director of Chung Ying Theatre Company which thrived under his 26-year leadership. During his tenure, he participated in numerous productions as playwright, director and actor. In recognition of his achievements, he received numerous awards including the Stage Director of the Year Award from the Hong Kong Artists’ Guild in 1991, the Ten Years Outstanding Achievement Award from the Hong Kong Federation of Drama Societies in 1994 and the Best Director (Tragedy/Drama) at the 17^th Hong Kong Drama Awards in 2008 for Tuesday with Morrie. Mr Ko was also dedicated to drama education and popularising theatre art, with Chung Ying Theatre Company being the first theatre company in Hong Kong to promote Theatre-in-Education.

From 2008 to 2013, Mr Ko Tin-lung served as Council Member of HKADC and committed to the work of the Council. He was the Chairman of the Arts Promotion Committee and Drama Group in addition to being the member of the Arts Support Committee, Strategy Committee and Resources Development Committee. Mr Ko was also the Advisory Board Member of both the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and School of Drama of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. In 2006, he received awards of the Secretary for Home Affairs’ Commendation Scheme in recognition of his dedication to Hong Kong arts and cultural development.

Having devoted his entire life to Hong Kong theatre, Mr Ko Tin-lung left behind an inspiring legacy to be cherished by the sector. His departure is indisputably a great loss to the local theatre community, and his accomplishment and devotion to the arts will be long remembered.