Spat over Cantonese opera theatre’s grand opening latest drama at Hong Kong arts hub
Chinese Artists Association chairwoman Liza Wang hits out after being told body will only be in charge of Xiqu Centre’s pre-opening activities
The representative of Cantonese opera performers hit out at Hong Kong’s arts hub authority on Friday after learning her group would not be in charge of the grand opening of a dedicated theatre for the art form, in the latest row over the troubled Xiqu Centre.
Barwo, or the Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong, which represents more than 1,000 Cantonese opera performers, said it was informed that it would be in charge of the theatre’s pre-opening, rather than the grand opening in 2019.
Its chairwoman Liza Wang Ming-chun told a Commercial Radio programme: “Around May or June last year, they explained to us that Barwo would be in charge of the grand opening of the centre … however, now that has changed and of course we are disappointed.”
The grand opening performances would be coordinated by Yam Pak Charitable Foundation, another Cantonese opera group that also organises performances.