The Cantonese opera performance sites proposed by the government as alternatives to the embattled Sunbeam Theatre have not been welcomed by an industry veteran.
Lisa Wang Ming-chuen, chairwoman of the Chinese Artists Association, raised doubts over the government's idea of moving performances to Yau Ma Tei Theatre and the Sha Tin and Tuen Mun town halls.
Sunbeam Theatre in North Point, the local hub for Cantonese opera productions, may close because of an increase in rent. Its lease expires at the end of next month.
Speaking on an RTHK programme yesterday, Ms Wang said the proposed alternatives did not meet the industry's needs or take care of its mainly elderly audience. The Yau Ma Tei venue 'is a small theatre with 300 seats only. This is not a performance place for professional opera groups', she said.
The government is considering a HK$171 million plan to convert the theatre and the nearby Red Brick Building into a training centre for young Cantonese opera performers.
Ms Wang noted that tickets for town hall performances were sold online. 'Our audiences are mainly elderly...How do you expect them to know how to buy the tickets?'