On 23 May, The Emperor, his Mom, a Eunuch and a Man –  the highlight production commemorating Kaiyuan Theatre’s third anniversary – staged its successful premiere in Xi’an. As the sole stop in central and western China, the play was performed in authentic Cantonese with classic Hong Kong-style stage storytelling, offering local audiences an immersive experience of Hong Kong theatrical art.

The performance featured exquisite stage choreography and delicate acting. Boasting a profound script and professional stage presentation, it won high acclaim from the audience.

At the curtain call, lead actor Lau Shau Ching expressed his delight on his first visit to Xi’an and sincerely thanked the theatre for its thoughtful arrangements. During a pre-show meet-and-greet, he acknowledged the theatre’s multiple sincere invitations extended in Hong Kong, and looked forward to future performances for Xi’an audiences.

Officially launched in May 2023, Kaiyuan Theatre centers on theatrical performances and prioritises staging top-tier artists, prestigious troupes and classic productions. It has hosted over 689 performances and received more than 420,000 audience visits.

Its landmark shows include the opening blockbuster Jing Meng (Dream in a Spring Garden) starring Peisi Chen, the classic version of Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land directed by Lai Shengchuan and performed by Huang Lei,  He Jiong  , Sun Li  and other cast members for the first anniversary, Xi Tai (The Stage) headlined by Peisi Chen for the second anniversary, and the recent The Emperor, his Mom, a Eunuch and a Man by Hong Kong Repertory Theatre.

The theatre presents one flagship production annually as a tribute to audiences. It has successively hosted performances by national-level troupes such as the National Theatre Company of China, Meng Jinghui Theatre Studio, The Nine, and the Kunju Opera Theatre of Jiangsu Province, presenting acclaimed productions including the dramas White Deer Plain, The Leading Actress, and Thunderstorm, the dance dramas Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting and Peacock, and the Kunqu operas The Peony Pavilion, Poetic Banquet: The Legend of Tang Talented Scholars, and A New Account of the Tales of the World: The Profound Meaning of Life and Death. It has also curated signature performance brands such as Great Dramas at Kaiyua, Famed Artists and Premier Troupes at Kaiyuan, China’s Pride Chinese Masters Music Season, the Grow Up at Kaiyuan Children’s Theatre Series, and the National Theatre Company of China HD Screening Season. It delivers high-quality performances covering dramas, concerts, traditional Chinese operas, talk shows, children’s plays and high-definition screenings, catering to audiences of all age groups.

Over three years of development, Kaiyuan Theatre has evolved from a newly opened venue into a cultural landmark of central and western China. It has earned solid industry reputation and public recognition through consistent premium shows, regular art popularisation activities and refined venue management. Taking the third anniversary premiere of The Emperor, his Mom, a Eunuch and a Man as a new starting point, the theatre will continue to present outstanding performances and supreme viewing experiences. It will also explore diversified operation modes, maximise the value of public theatre space, and further promote cultural benefits and art education for the public.