Traditional bamboo stages urged for Cantonese opera at arts hub

The government should make room for bamboo stages - the traditional theatre setting for Cantonese opera - in the reconsidered plan for the West Kowloon Cultural District, a leading academic said yesterday.

The original plans for the arts hub put too much emphasis on western art forms such as opera while neglecting the Chinese roots, associate dean of the Chinese University's Faculty of Arts, Chan Wing-wah, said.

'If you are talking about being creative, you should think of creative venues that could represent local culture,' Professor Chan said. 'With a venue for Cantonese opera we can have a resident performing group. It's also easier to groom a troupe and young talent.'

The professor was speaking at the opening of the Gems of Chinese Music exhibition, a four-month display at the Racing Museum in Happy Valley that showcases artefacts from the Chinese University's Chinese Music Archive.

He said putting up an indoor bamboo stage, like those erected at outdoor venues across the city on special occasions, would allow visitors to experience the art form in the most traditional way.

It would also provide a great opportunity to showcase traditional Chinese architecture and visual arts.