Xiqu Centre a feather in the cap for Hong Kong
- Despite concerns about the cost of using the purpose-built venue for Chinese opera, it will boost city’s standing as an international arts hub
Hong Kong has made a new entrance into the world of Chinese opera with the opening of the purpose-built Xiqu Centre this month. The showpiece venue has not just brought us a step closer to turn West Kowloon into a world-class arts hub; we can now also play a more important role in promoting the unique Chinese art form among local and international audiences.
Dubbed the contemporary gateway to Chinese opera, the HK$2.7 billion complex is the first landmark at the West Kowloon Cultural District. The 28,164 square metre complex houses a 1,072-seat Grand Theatre, a more intimate Tea House Theatre, eight professional studios and a seminar hall, all designed for different types of xiqu-related activities. Inspired by Chinese lanterns, the design skilfully mixes traditional and contemporary elements to reflect the evolving nature of the art form. The main entrance is shaped to resemble parted curtains on a stage. There is also space for exhibitions and workshops.
The new facilities inevitably cost more to use. There have been worries that the venues would be unaffordable to some local performing groups. If this is the case, it will defeat the purpose of the venue. The Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong said it had reflected concerns to the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority. The concerns should be addressed seriously.
The centre’s opening cannot be more timely. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Cantonese opera addition to the Unesco Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The centre aims at developing a locally rooted network of performers and facilitating exchanges and cooperation between Hong Kong, the mainland and beyond. This can help bring the arts to a wider audience. Hopefully, it will breathe new life into it.
Having spent eight years to deliver its first major venue at West Kowloon, the authority is under pressure to show that the arts hub is coming to fruition. It may take some time before the centre maximises its potential. With the right strategy and management, the purpose-built complex can help promote Chinese opera while boosting our portfolio as an international arts hub.