The Sunbeam Theatre, an emblem of Hong Kong culture, is nearing its bittersweet finale after enduring over fifty years of the city’s vibrancy and transitions. On February 22, it opened its doors one last time, hosting mini performances and guiding visitors through its hidden corners. This venue’s closure marks the end of an era, so let’s delve into the rich tapestry of its history and cultural significance.
Chinese opera, dating back to the 13th-century Song dynasty, evolved from earlier forms like Canjun opera. By the Qing dynasty, it had split into regional forms, with Peking opera thriving in the north and Cantonese opera, or ‘yuet kuk’, flourishing in southern areas. Surprisingly, while several traditional art forms faced suppression during the Cultural Revolution, Cantonese opera in Hong Kong thrived, offering a cherished form of entertainment in a city where television and film were not yet mainstream.
Sunbeam Theatre was established in September 1972 by a Shanghainese troupe, initially as a cinema before transitioning to stage live Cantonese opera. Its emergence coincided with a surge in the popularity of Cantonese opera, propelling famed artists like Pak Sheut-sin, renowned for classics such as ‘Princess Cheung Ping’, and collaborators like Yam Kim-fai, into the spotlight. Over time, however, rising popularity of films and television led to the gradual decline of live performances, and Sunbeam became the last stand-alone theatre devoted to this art form.
Regretfully, the theatre’s future is grim as it prepares to close permanently on March 3. Acquired by the Island Evangelical Community Church, the building will transition into their new home, with no clear plans on preserving the theatre’s essence. Future audiences can seek out Cantonese opera performances at locations like Yau Ma Tei Theatre or the West Kowloon Xiqu Centre, yet the closure of Sunbeam Theatre signals a poignant loss for Hong Kong’s cultural narrative.
The Sunbeam Theatre, a key venue for Cantonese opera in Hong Kong, is set to close permanently on March 3 after more than fifty years of cultural significance. This theatre began as a cinema in 1972, eventually nurturing prominent local opera stars. Despite its legacy, the rise of television and cinema reduced its popularity, culminating in its current closure as the last standalone platform for Cantonese opera.
The Sunbeam Theatre’s impending closure is a profound moment in Hong Kong’s cultural landscape. Over five decades, it has been a sanctuary for Cantonese opera, enriching the city’s artistic spirit. With its doors closing forever, Hong Kong bids farewell to the last independent theatre dedicated to this beloved art form, leaving memories that linger like notes of a bittersweet melody.
Original Source: www.timeout.com
