Events in Hong Kong 7 October 2023 - The King and I | GoComGo.com

The King and I

Events in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Cultural Centre - Concert Hall, Hong Kong, China
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8 PM
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Important Info
Type: Musical
City: Hong Kong, China
Starts at: 20:00

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Overview

This grand production includes Mr. Rusty Tsoi as “King” and Miss Isabelle Wou as “Anna”, Miss Ernestine Ho as “Tuptim” and Mr. Eric Hyunh as “Luntha” and not to mention more than 40 men and women and children as wives and princes and princesses.

The King and I is a 1956 American musical film made by 20th Century-Fox, is based on the 1951 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King and I, based on the 1944 novel Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon. That novel in turn was based on memoirs written by Anna Leonowens, who became school teacher to the children of King Mongkut of Siam in the early 1860s. Leonowens' stories were autobiographical, although various elements of them have been called into question. The film stars Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner. The film was a critical and commercial success, and was nominated for 9 Oscars, winning 5, including Best Actor for Brynner.

This musical contains many favourite tunes such as “I Whistle a Happy Tune”, “Getting to Know you”, “Hello Young Lovers”, “Shall We Dance” and are still very popular nowadays.

History
Premiere of this production: 29 March 1951, St. James Theatre, Broadway

The King and I is the fifth musical by the team of Rodgers and Hammerstein. It is based on Margaret Landon's novel, Anna and the King of Siam (1944), which is in turn derived from the memoirs of Anna Leonowens, governess to the children of King Mongkut of Siam in the early 1860s. The musical's plot relates the experiences of Anna, a British schoolteacher who is hired as part of the King's drive to modernize his country.

Synopsis

Act 1

In 1862, a strong-willed, widowed schoolteacher, Anna Leonowens, arrives in Bangkok, Siam (later known as Thailand) at the request of the King of Siam to tutor his many children. Anna's young son, Louis, fears the severe countenance of the King's prime minister, the Kralahome, but Anna refuses to be intimidated ("I Whistle a Happy Tune"). The Kralahome has come to escort them to the palace, where they are expected to live – a violation of Anna's contract, which calls for them to live in a separate house. She considers returning to Singapore aboard the vessel that brought them, but goes with her son and the Kralahome.

Black and white photo of a theatrical scene: a middle-aged man with a shaved head and imposing presence has his right arm extended to introduce a group of children in Asian dress to a woman in a crinoline dress and bonnet in the foreground at right, who is partially turned upstage. The children are mostly kneeling and have their arms raised in greeting; one child (probably Crown Prince Chulalongkorn) stands and bows.

Several weeks pass, during which Anna and Louis are confined to their palace rooms. The King receives a gift from the king of Burma, a lovely slave girl named Tuptim, to be one of his many wives. She is escorted by Lun Tha, a scholar who has come to copy a design for a temple, and the two are secretly in love. Tuptim, left alone, declares that the King may own her, but not her heart ("My Lord and Master"). The King gives Anna her first audience. The schoolteacher is a part of his plan for the modernization of Siam; he is impressed when she already knows this. She raises the issue of her house with him, he dismisses her protests and orders her to talk with his wives. They are interested in her, and she tells them of her late husband, Tom ("Hello, Young Lovers"). The King presents her new pupils; Anna is to teach those of his children whose mothers are in favor with him – several dozen – and is to teach their mothers as well. The princes and princesses enter in procession ("March of the Royal Siamese Children"). Anna is charmed by the children, and formality breaks down after the ceremony as they crowd around her.

Anna has not given up on the house, and teaches the children proverbs and songs extolling the virtues of home life, to the King's irritation. The King has enough worries without battling the schoolteacher, and wonders why the world has become so complicated ("A Puzzlement"). The children and wives are hard at work learning English ("The Royal Bangkok Academy"). The children are surprised by a map showing how small Siam is compared with the rest of the world ("Getting to Know You"). As the crown prince, Chulalongkorn, disputes the map, the King enters a chaotic schoolroom. He orders the pupils to believe the teacher but complains to Anna about her lessons about "home". Anna stands her ground and insists on the letter of her contract, threatening to leave Siam, much to the dismay of wives and children. The King orders her to obey as "my servant"; she repudiates the term and hurries away. The King dismisses school, then leaves, uncertain of his next action. Meanwhile, Lun Tha comes upon Tuptim, and they muse about having to hide their relationship ("We Kiss in a Shadow").

In her room, Anna replays the confrontation in her mind, her anger building ("Shall I Tell You What I Think of You?"). Lady Thiang, the King's head wife, tells Anna that the King is troubled by his portrayal in the West as a barbarian, as the British are being urged to take over Siam as a protectorate. Anna is shocked by the accusations – the King is a polygamist, but he is no barbarian – but she is reluctant to see him after their argument. Lady Thiang convinces her that the King is deserving of support ("Something Wonderful"). Anna goes to him and finds him anxious for reconciliation. The King tells her that the British are sending an envoy to Bangkok to evaluate the situation. Anna "guesses" – the only guise in which the King will accept advice – that the King will receive the envoy in European style, and that the wives will be dressed in Western fashion. Tuptim has been writing a play based on a book that Anna has lent her, Uncle Tom's Cabin, that can be presented to the guests. News is brought to the King that the British are arriving much earlier than thought, and so Anna and the wives are to stay up all night to prepare. The King assembles his family for a Buddhist prayer for the success of the venture and also promises before Buddha that Anna will receive her own house "as provided in agreement, etc., etc."

Act 2

The wives are dressed in their new European-style gowns, which they find confining ("Western People Funny"). In the rush to prepare, the question of undergarments has been overlooked, and the wives have practically nothing on underneath their gowns. When the British envoy, Sir Edward Ramsay, arrives and gazes at them through a monocle, they are panicked by the "evil eye" and lift their skirts over their heads as they flee. Sir Edward is diplomatic about the incident. When the King is called away, it emerges that Sir Edward is an old flame of Anna's, and they dance in remembrance of old times, as Edward urges her to return to British society. The King returns and irritably reminds them that dancing is for after dinner.

As final preparations for the play are made, Tuptim steals a moment to meet with Lun Tha. He tells her he has an escape plan, and she should be ready to leave after the performance ("I Have Dreamed"). Anna encounters them, and they confide in her ("Hello, Young Lovers", reprise). The play ("Small House of Uncle Thomas", narrated ballet) is presented in a Siamese ballet-inspired dance. Tuptim is the narrator, and she tells her audience of the evil King Simon of Legree and his pursuit of the runaway slave Eliza. Eliza is saved by Buddha, who miraculously freezes a river and conceals her in snow. Buddha then causes the river to melt, drowning King Simon and his hunting party. The anti-slavery message is blunt.

After the play, Sir Edward reveals that the British threat has receded, but the King is distracted by his displeasure at Tuptim's rebellious message. After Sir Edward leaves, Anna and the King express their delight at how well the evening went, and he presents her with a ring. Secret police report that Tuptim is missing. The King realizes that Anna knows something; she parries his inquiry by asking why he should care: Tuptim is just another woman to him. He is delighted; she is at last understanding the Siamese perspective. Anna tries to explain to him the Western customs of courtship and tells him what it is like for a young woman at a formal dance ("Shall We Dance?"). He demands that she teach him the dance. She does, and in that dance they experience and express a love for each other that they can never speak aloud. They are interrupted by the Kralahome. Tuptim has been captured, and a search is on for Lun Tha. The King resolves to punish Tuptim, though she denies she and Lun Tha were lovers. Anna tries to dissuade him, but he is determined that her influence shall not rule, and he takes the whip himself. He turns to lash Tuptim, but under Anna's gaze is unable to swing the whip, and hurries away. Lun Tha is found dead, and Tuptim is dragged off, swearing to kill herself; nothing more is heard about her. Anna asks the Kralahome to give her ring back to the King; both schoolteacher and minister state their wish that she had never come to Siam.

Several months pass with no contact between Anna and the King. Anna is packed and ready to board a ship leaving Siam. Chulalongkorn arrives with a letter from the King, who has been unable to resolve the conflicts within himself and is dying. Anna hurries to the King's bedside and they reconcile. The King persuades her to take back the ring and to stay and assist the next king, Chulalongkorn. The dying man tells Anna to take dictation from the prince, and instructs the boy to give orders as if he were King. The prince orders the end of the custom of kowtowing that Anna hated. The King grudgingly accepts this decision. As Chulalongkorn continues, prescribing a less arduous bow to show respect for the king, his father dies. Anna kneels by the late King, holding his hand and kissing it, as the wives and children bow or curtsey, a gesture of respect to old king and new.

Venue Info

Events in Hong Kong - Hong Kong
Location   Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s is truly a mixed culture. Not only does the territory celebrate festivals and holidays of the East and the West, such as the Dragon Boat Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Lunar (Chinese) New Year, Christmas, the Western New Year, and others, but it also enjoys hundreds of annual cultural events ranging from traditional Cantonese and other Chinese regional operas and puppet shows to performances of ballet, theatre, and music and exhibitions of paintings and sculptures by nationally and internationally renowned performers and artists. 

Asia World-Arena

1 Airport Expo Blvd, Chek Lap Kok

AsiaWorld-Arena (Hall 1) is a world-class multi-function entertainment venue, and Hong Kong’s largest indoor seated stadium. With a total floor space of 10,880 sqm, the Arena can accommodate up to 14,000 participants, making it ideal for superstar concerts, international conferences and mega events.

The 19m extra-high ceiling and column-free venue design make special performances such as wire-flying, aerial dancing and vertical acrobatics totally possible.

Hong Kong Cultural Centre

10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

The Hong Kong Cultural Centre is a multipurpose performance facility in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. Located at Salisbury Road, it was built by the former Urban Council and, since 2000, has been administered by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the Hong Kong Government. A wide variety of cultural performances are held here.

The cultural centre opened with the International Celebration of the Arts, a special programme that ran from 5 November to 6 December and showcased Hong Kong musicians, Kunju opera, Cantonese music, and performances by a range of international artists including the Cologne Opera, the Alban Berg Quartett, Sadao Watanabe, and the first Hong Kong appearance of guitarist John Williams.

Facilities:

  • The Concert Hall, with 2,019 seats, is an oval two-tiered auditorium finished with high quality oak, and includes an adjustable acoustic canopy and curtains. It is the home of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. It houses an 8,000-pipe pipe organ, the largest in Asia, built by Austrian firm Rieger Orgelbau. It has been recorded by Christopher Herrick on Organ Fireworks VIII.
  • The Grand Theatre, with 1,734 seats in three tiers, was designed for large scale opera, ballet, and musicals. The Hong Kong Film Award presentation ceremony also takes place there.
  • The Studio Theatre, with 300 to 496 seats depending upon the set-up, can accommodate smaller-scale theatre and performance works.
  • Exhibition Gallery

The centre is adjacent to the Star Ferry Pier and the Star Ferry bus terminus served by Kowloon Motor Bus. It is also within walking distance to Tsim Sha Tsui Station and East Tsim Sha Tsui Station, which serve the Tsuen Wan Line and West Rail Line respectively.

Lyric Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai

Facilities:

  • Raked floor: Stalls seats divided by two aisles
  • Circle and Gallery have continental seating
  • Full seating capacity: 1,181 comprising: Stalls 466, Circle 274, Gallery 441
  • If small orchestra pit used: 1,143
  • If large orchestra pit used: 1,093
Hong Kong City Hall

5 Edinburgh Place Central

Opened in 1962, the Hong Kong City Hall is the first multi-purpose cultural complex ever built for the community of Hong Kong. Occupying an area of 11 000 square metres on the reclaimed seafront of Edinburgh Place, Central, the City Hall was designated as a Grade 1 historic building in 2009. Its major facilities, including a Concert Hall renowned for its outstanding acoustics, a Theatre well-received by professional theatre groups, as well as an Exhibition Hall capturing view of the Victoria Harbour, are housed in the Low Block.

Reputed as one of the most prominent local arts and cultural venues, the Hong Kong City Hall embodies the history of important cultural events and is synonymous with the local cultural development. Milestone events, such as the early Festival of Hong Kong, the first Hong Kong Arts Festival (1973), the first Festival of Asian Arts (1976), the first Hong Kong International Film Festival (1977) and the first International Arts Carnival (1982), all had their inaugurations at the Hong Kong City Hall. Its significant role in promoting arts and cultural exchanges is indeed the pride of Hong Kong people.

Over the past 50 years, the Hong Kong City Hall has stood by the people of Hong Kong through thick and thin. It not only offers a stage for artists to display their talent, but also forms part of our collective memories. In the years to come, it will continue to serve as a source of inspiration for artists and contribute to the continual and multi-faceted development of the arts in Hong Kong.

Concert Hall
Though constructed in the 1960s, the Concert Hall was meticulously designed to achieve the best soundproof result. The maximum seating capacity is 1 430, with a choir stall which can accommodate up to 60 singers. The stage in Concert Mode is suitable for performances of symphony, chamber, recital, jazz and chorus. While in Theatre Mode, the stage is also ideal for other performing art forms, such as dance, drama, opera and Chinese opera.

Theatre
The 463-seat Theatre is ideal for stage productions of a smaller scale. Its unique design enables an easy interflow between performers and audience. Whilst it has established itself as a leading venue for theatre performances, it is equally demanded for presentation of music programmes. The special design of Theatre also satisfies film showing.

Yuen Long Theatre Auditorium

9 Yuen Long Tai Yuk Rd, Yuen Long

Yuen Long Theatre is a performing arts venue in Hong Kong. It was opened on 14 May 2000.

The main performance venue seats 923. Equipped with excellent sound, lighting systems and many other advanced theatrical facilities, which include 24 remote-controlled motorised drapes, a flying system which comprises more than a hundred of motorised and manual cross stage hoists, an adjustable forestage, 2-in-1 convertible orchestra shell with a film projection screen. The Theatre is suitable for a variety of programmes, from concert, operatic performance, drama, dance, film show to ceremony and seminar.

Tuen Mun Town Hall Auditorium

3 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun

The Auditorium, versatile for different types of performances and with a seating capacity of 1368 audiences, is the pride of the Town Hall. It has a stage area of 323 square metres measuring 19 metres in width, 17 metres in depth and 9.5 metres in height. With the two wings each offering an area of approximately 300 square metres, the stage layout is convertible and can effectively cater for different production requirements. Other main features include adjustable sound enclosures to fit orchestras of different sizes.

For proscenium performances, the stage is equipped with a flying system for the putting up of scene curtains, sufficient for large scale production. The stage is designed for easy conversion from a concert layout to a proscenium layout for technical performances and vice versa. It is an ideal venue for professional performances as well as school and community activities.

The Auditorium is furnished with an advanced computerized lighting system and professional sound system. The backstage area is equipped with six single and seven communal dressing rooms.

The state-of-the-art fixture and equipment of the Auditorium guarantee superb audio-visual enjoyment for cultural programmes. With the magnificent stage and a large seating capacity, it is also an ideal venue for holding large-scale gatherings and graduation ceremonies.

Ko Shan Theatre

77 Ko Shan Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon

Ko Shan Theatre
The Ko Shan Theatre was first opened in 1983 and designed as a 3,000-seat semi-open air theatre. Because of the semi-open design, the former venue suffered from inclement weather and noise problems. After an improvement project approved in 1994, the refurbished Ko Shan Theatre was re-opened in October 1996.

The former amphitheatre was demolished and rebuilt with an air-conditioned foyer block housing rehearsal facilities, committee room, exhibition facilities and URBTIX box office. The renovation aimed at providing better facilities for a wide range of public and private activities, which can intermix for the benefit of the community.

Ko Shan Theatre New Wing
Opened on 31 October 2014, the 5-storey Ko Shan Theatre New Wing comprises an 596-seat auditorium, an exhibition gallery, a function room, rehearsal rooms and singing practice rooms. It is also equipped with a green roof, a car park basement, a specialist store for Cantonese and Chinese opera products.

The design and layout of Ko Shan Theatre are dedicated for Cantonese opera performances, including spacious leg room between seats inside auditorium to facilitate easy access by the elderly, adequate space for costume trunks at the backstage. Most dressing rooms are on the same floor of the stage, dressing rooms and rehearsal rooms equipped with extra-high doors and great ceiling height etc.

The 600-seat auditorium at the New Wing together with the existing 1 031-seat theatre will further enhance the Ko Shan Theatre’s function as a dedicated venue for Cantonese opera with the provision of ancillary facilities for performance, rehearsals and training by established and budding Cantonese opera artists. While the New Wing is a dedicated venue for Cantonese opera with priority venue hiring policy for Cantonese opera performances, it will also be open to other arts and community event, creating an alternative platform for a variety of cultural activities for the local community and Hong Kong as a whole.

Sheung Wan Civic Centre

345 Queen's Road Central

Sheung Wan Civic Centre is situated on the fourth to the seventh floors of the Sheung Wan Municipal Services Building. It can be reached by various forms of public transport, which includes mini bus and bus. The MTR Sheung Wan Station is also within short walking distance. Since its opening in December 1988, the Centre's diversified facilities are available for hire by the public for organising cultural activities and other events.

Sha Tin Town Hall

1 Yuen Wo Road, Sha Tin

Recognised as one of the Hong Kong's finest performing arts venues, Sha Tin Town Hall is also the heart of culture in the east of the New Territories. It is a well designed complex with integrated facilities giving people opportunities to enjoy culture and arts in relaxing surroundings. Whether for dance, drama and music activities, or for exhibitions and conferences, the Town Hall provides a complete range of performance and exhibition venues. It comprises three major facilities: 1372-seat Auditorium, 300-seat Cultural Activities Hall, 378m² Exhibition Gallery and other minor and ancillary facilities. Since its opening in January 1987, it has come to symbolize the department's commitment in the arts, its support for local arts and culture, and its regard to the cultural enrichment of the community.

The Sha Tin Town Hall is a convenient and well-equipped performance venue for the public to enjoy arts and culture, thanks to its geographical edge and a series of facility upgrades and improvements. It has also been working closely with venue partners, arts groups as well as local and overseas artists to present a wide array of cultural programmes, thereby establishing a reputation for programme diversity.

The Auditorium is reputed for its excellent facilities such as unobstructed audience sightlines, warm ambience and sophisticated technical capabilities for a wide range of performances. The stage is designed for easy conversion from a concert layout to a proscenium layout for theatrical performances and vice versa. It is an ideal venue for professional performances as well as school and community activities.

The Box, Freespace

Cultural District, West Kowloon, No. 18 Museum Dr, Tsim Sha Tsui

Freespace – Hong Kong’s new centre for contemporary performance in the heart of the West Kowloon Art Park – presents multi-genre performances and events, produces boundary-pushing collaborations, and promotes new ways of seeing and experiencing performance.

Partnering with emerging and established artists from Hong Kong and around the world, we nurture diverse creative voices and bring works that challenge and redefine the role of performing arts for our age.

Join for bold new performance experiences at The Box black box theatre, Livehouse live music bar, intimate creation spaces The Room and The Studio, and outside on the Art Park lawns.

Kwai Tsing Theatre

12 Hing Ning Road, Kwai Chung

The opening of Kwai Tsing Theatre in November 1999 is a milestone in the performing arts development of Hong Kong. Over the past twenty years, the Theatre has provided quality support to numerous local and visiting stage productions to the spectacular enjoyment of its audience.

The Theatre’s 899-seat Auditorium is equipped to cater for all types of performances. The Black Box Theatre, accommodating from 130 to 160 theatre-goers, is the first of its kind among the Leisure and Cultural Services Department performing arts facilities designed to meet the growing demand of small-scale and experimental productions. Other facilities to suit the needs of different arts activities include a Lecture Room, a Dance Studio and a Rehearsal Room while the 5 000-square-metre Plaza offers the breathing space for the busy city life.

On top of its diversified facilies, Kwai Tsing Theatre prides itself on its prime location and excellent transport connection. It is an ideal venue for productions of different scales and will continue to play a key role for local cultural events.

Queen Elizabeth Stadium

18 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai

Opened in 1980, the Queen Elizabeth Stadium (the "Stadium") is Hong Kong's premier multi-purpose venue located in the heart of Wan Chai that provides the public with a chance to view and participate in sports, recreation and culture, all under the same roof.

Apart from a 3500-seat arena, the Stadium houses a reception lobby, a VIP lounge, a multi-purpose hall, two function rooms, four committee rooms, three squash courts and a table-tennis playing area. Anyone pursuing an active lifestyle will find something to stretch his mind and body within these grounds.

With a seating capacity of 3500 and professional facilities, the arena is a perfect venue for holding cultural and entertainment programmes, sports events, conventions and ceremonies of any scale or nature.

The Stadium has played a decisive role in fostering spectator and participation sports in the territory. With a floor size of 580 sq m and equipped with lighting and scoring systems of international standard, the arena can be overlaid with wooden flooring or rubberized roll-outs for holding spectator events.

The highly flexible structure of tiered seating and retractable stand can also be transformed into adjustable stage configurations for classical concerts, entertainment shows, dance performances, theatrical productions, variety shows, conventions and ceremonial events. The close proximity between the stage and the spectator grandstand encourages rapport between performers and audience, creating a cosy ambience ideal for family entertainment and interactive events.

Tai Kwun Prison Yard

10 Hollywood Road

Tai Kwun, or the Former Central Police Station Compound (CPS Compound) includes three declared monuments in Central, Hong Kong: the former Central Police Station, the Former Central Magistracy, and the Victoria Prison. Surrounded by Hollywood Road, Arbuthnot Road, Chancery Lane and Old Bailey Street, the compound underwent a heritage revitalisation and reopened to the public on 29 May 2018 as "Tai Kwun" a centre for heritage and arts.

Tai Kwun is Hong Kong’s beating cultural heart, enabled by The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) in partnership with the Hong Kong SAR Government. A vibrant, welcoming space that brings people together, Tai Kwun is committed to inspiring the community through arts, culture and heritage. Located in the heart of Central, Hong Kong, Tai Kwun brings creative energy into our city by providing the people of Hong Kong with access to a variety of immersive, world-class experiences. It is open for all members of our community to enjoy, nurturing appreciation for arts, heritage and culture.

Tai Kwun supports youth in our community with the skills and development opportunities needed to thrive in the creative industries. Together with HKJC, Tai Kwun aspires to contribute to a culturally vibrant Hong Kong, amplifying the city’s role as a thriving arts and cultural hub in the region and the global arena.

The relationship between HKJC and Tai Kwun continues HKJC’s longstanding role as a supporter of the city’s iconic arts and cultural institutions, which aligns with HKJC’s purpose of acting continuously for the betterment of our society. HKJC funded the revitalisation and continues to fund the ongoing operation of Tai Kwun, which consist of three Declared Monuments – the former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison – transforming the historic site into an accessible world-class centre for arts, culture and heritage. In 2019, Tai Kwun received the Award of Excellence in the 2019 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

Sunbeam Theatre

423 King’s Road, North Point

For nearly five decades, Sunbeam Theatre in North Point has been synonymous with Cantonese opera in Hong Kong, playing an important role in our city’s cultural history. This vintage theatre is designed specifically for Cantonese opera performances, with a grand auditorium that holds 1,044 seats, and a mini stage with 340 seats. 

Shows usually run for five days a week from 7.30 pm, with occasional matinees held at 1 pm or 1:30 pm. Sunbeam Theatre also houses a cinema that stages classic and new-release films from Hong Kong, mainland China, and Japan.

Xiqu Centre

88 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

A world-class performance venue promoting Chinese traditional theatre, Cantonese opera and regional forms of xiqu.  

Established with the goal of preserving, promoting and developing the heritage art of Chinese opera, the Xiqu Centre presents performances from Hong Kong, mainland China and around the world. Catering for seasoned fans and newcomers alike, we showcase award-winning troupes, master artists and emerging talent, and offer large-scale classic dramas, rare regional productions and experimental contemporary creations. The Xiqu Centre also presents a specially-curated introduction to Cantonese opera, Magic Tea House 2.0 – Dream of the Future, performed by our resident troupe of emerging local artists the Tea House Rising Stars Troupe, as well as film screenings, music performances and a range of related educational activities.

The open public atrium provides a stage for free concerts and exhibitions and a cool, calm space to relax and escape the heat of the sun. You can also enjoy gourmet food and drinks at a selection of restaurants and cafes, and browse xiqu-related items in our gift shop.  

Located on the eastern side of the West Kowloon Cultural District, the Xiqu Centre is easy to access. Its state of the art facilities include the large Grand Theatre, the intimate Tea House Theatre, four professional rehearsal rooms and a lecture hall.  

The Xiqu Centre’s striking design, created by Revery Architecture (formerly Bing Thom Architects) and Ronald Lu & Partners, blends elements of traditional and contemporary Chinese architecture to reflect the evolving nature of the art of Chinese opera. 

Designed to meet recognised sustainability standards and reduce energy consumption, the Xiqu Centre was awarded a Gold rating by Hong Kong’s internationally recognised Building Environmental Assessment Method (BEAM) in 2019.

Grand Theatre
A world-class venue showcasing high-quality traditional and contemporary xiqu performances by artists from Hong Kong, mainland China and the region. Tailor-made for professional xiqu presentations and fitted with state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment, the theatre has a seating capacity of 1,000 plus.

Tea House Theatre

Designed to recreate the intimate atmosphere of a traditional tea house, the Tea House Theatre offers flexible table and chair seating arrangements in stall and balcony areas and is suitable for small-scale performances of regional xiqu genres or traditional music. It is the venue for the regular programme Magic Tea House, an introduction to Cantonese opera presented by the Tea House Rising Stars Troupe (special performances for tour groups and student groups available on request). It also hosts student matinees designed to help secondary school students learn about Chinese culture and the art of xiqu in a fun and informative way. Seating capacity up to 200.

West Kowloon Bamboo Theatre

West Kowloon Cultural District, West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade

West Kowloon Bamboo Theatre is one of the flagship programmes of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA). The West Kowloon Bamboo Theatre has been held since 2012 by the WKCDA which aims to promote Cantonese opera and the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD). Due to its popularity, the WKCDA continues to organise the West Kowloon Bamboo Theatre annually after 2012. Starting from 2013, apart from Cantonese opera, the theatre also provides performances of modern music and Chinese dance. There was a New Year Fair being provided as well.

Since 2012, a temporary bamboo theatre, covering 1,800 square metres, has been set up by the WKCDA during the Chinese New Year for the performances. It is located at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade in the WKCD.

During the celebration, various types of Chinese operas such as Kunqu and Jingkunqu are performed. Famous artists are invited to participate in performances. The cinema shows classical Chinese films, mainly about Chinese opera songs.

Tsing Yi Bamboo Theatre

Tsing Yi Athletic Association Soccer Pitch

Tsing Yi Bamboo Theatre is an annual large-scale traditional Cantonese festival held in Hong Kong with a temporary built theatre which made with bamboos. It is located in Fung Shue Wo Road Football Field, which is next to Municipal Service Building in Tsing Yi, Hong Kong. It is for the celebration of Zhen Jun (The True Lord) and Tin Hau (The Empress of Heaven).

Youth Square – Y Theatre

Youth Square

Y Theatre is a traditional proscenium theatre designed and equipped for staging Drama, Dance, Musicals, and Musical Performances. It can also be used for Opera, Film and Variety Performances. In addition, the stage can be used for acoustic shell layout. Seating 643 in total, these are disposed with 449 in the stalls level (including 4 wheelchair seats),   94 in the balcony level (including 2 wheelchair seats). Seating start at row A, and 109 seats of stalls level row A to row E will be lost for setting the orchestra pit. Production desk can be set on stalls level row Q & R center to accommodate control panel and related production needs.

Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre - Cultural Activities Hall

11 Clear Water Bay Road

The Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre, conveniently located in the heart of East Kowloon, has offered quality and diversified facilities for wide range of cultural activities and other events since its opening on 23 April 1987. With the mission of enriching the lives of the community by providing more professional services and advanced facilities, the Centre has undergone a major improvement in 2002. In early 2004, the Exhibition Hall was also converted to a multi-purpose Cultural Activities Hall to suit the needs of the community.

On top of the Theatre and Cultural Activities Hall, the Centre has ancillary facilities such as Lecture Room, Art Studios, Dance Practice Room and Music Practice Room. With its optimal location, newly renovated facilities and our professional and customer-focused services, you will have everything you need to make your event/function a complete success.

Cultural Activities Hall suitable for experimental drama, small-scale performance, visual / academic / commercial exhibition, conference, reception.

The Sanctuary, Methodist International Church

9/F, Wesleyan House 271 Queen's Road East​Wan Chai

Tsuen Wan Town Hall - Auditorium

72 Tai Ho Road, Tsuen Wan

Since its opening, the Auditorium has been noted for its excellent acoustics, thanks to the ingenious design of the acoustic system that maintains a high fidelity and produces a natural sound effect. Many world-renowned orchestras, choirs and instrumental players have given their performances here. The Auditorium is equipped with sophisticated sound and lighting facilities as well as an adjustable stage to suit different functions such as concerts, recitals, Chinese operas, dramas, dances, variety shows, seminars, films and recordings.

Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre (KITEC) - Star Hall

1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay

The Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre (KITEC, formerly known as the Hong Kong International Trade and Exhibition Centre or HITEC), is an exhibition centre, shopping mall and performance venue situated at 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong. It was developed by Hopewell Holdings Ltd.

Star Hall is the performance venue inside KITEC. It can accommodate audiences of 3,600 people. It is a popular venue for concerts. The 4-storey Star Hall measuring 2,800 m2 (30,000 sq ft) offers column-free space.

Shouson Theater

2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai

Shouson Theatre is the largest venue in HKAC with capacity 394 seats. The proscenium theatre offers superb views from every seat, which audiences can enjoy an intimate theatrical experience. It is primarily used for concert, drama and dance performances, but also ideal for film screenings and seminars.

Important Info
Type: Musical
City: Hong Kong, China
Starts at: 20:00
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