West Kowloon arts hub has 'open mind' on Xiqu Centre name

A West Kowloon arts hub executive says it will keep an open mind about the name of its traditional performing arts venue - which is stirring up controversy online.

But a name change would only be made after thorough discussion and a consensus between academics and industry professionals.

Internet users have mocked the name of the centre - Xiqu - which will house a range of Chinese operas and traditional theatre shows.

Xiqu is the pinyin for the Putonghua word to describe traditional Chinese performing and theatrical arts. But internet users have pointed out that it resembles the Cantonese sound for si chue - which means "private parts". The Cantonese term for the art form is hei kuk.

Louis Yu Kwok-lit, performing arts executive director with the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, said he was pleased that the name Xiqu Centre had become such a talking point.

Yu was speaking yesterday at the opening of the Bamboo Theatre, the arts hub's Lunar New Year programme featuring everything from Cantonese opera to contemporary music, which is being held for a second year.