The Xiqu Centre Opens at West Kowloon Cultural District

The Xiqu Centre launches its inaugural programme with The Reincarnation of the Red Plum. Under the artistic direction of renowned Cantonese opera star Pat Suen Sin, the production stars Connie Chan Po-chu and Mui Suet-see in the main roles. 

The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority announces the official opening of the Xiqu Centre. The opening of the Xiqu Centre marks an important first step towards the fulfilment of the West Kowloon Cultural District project and a major boost to the development of Chinese operatic arts in Hong Kong and beyond.

The Xiqu Centre (Photo credit: West Kowloon Cultural District)

The Xiqu Centre features state of the art facilities, a stunning façade and welcoming interiors. Designed by Bing Thom (now Revery) Architects and Ronald Lu & Partners, the structure reflects the four design elements integral to Chinese art and culture: ‘qi’ (flow), ‘nature’, ‘gateway and pavilion’, and ‘courtyard’.

The eight-story building houses a Grand Theatre, a Tea House Theatre, eight fully-equipped studios, a seminar hall as well as dining and other facilities.

The Reincarnation of the Red Plum opens the inaugural season (Photo credit: West Kowloon Cultural District)

The Xiqu Centre’s three-month opening programme offers something for all tastes. Headlining the season is the Cantonese opera classic The Reincarnation of the Red Plum. Written by famed librettist Tong Tik-sang, who made lasting and significant contributions to Cantonese opera, The Reincarnation of the Red Plum tells the intriguing and complex story of Ming scholar Pei Yu and the ghost of beautiful concubine Li Huiniang.

The piece was originally written for the Sin Fung Ming Theatre Company, founded by renowned Cantonese opera artists Yam Kim-fai and Pak Suet-sin in 1956. Under the artistic direction of the inimitable Pak Suet-sin, this opening production stars veterans Connie Chan Po-chu and Mui Suet-see in the main male and female roles, and showcases three generations of talented performers, offering a new perspective on an enduring classic.

The Tea House Theatre offers taster performances of xiqu (Photo credit: West Kowloon Cultural District)

As part of Xiqu Centre’s commitment to engaging new audiences, the Tea House Theatre allows viewers to enjoy taster performance of xiqu while sampling Chinese tea and artisanal dim sum in intimate surrounds. The Tea House Rising Stars Troupe perform excerpts of Cantonese opera highlighting a range of vocal and musical styles. During performances, a moderator explains the art form to the audience, allowing newcomers and tourists curious about Chinese culture insight into the secrets of the rich art form.

Ducky Tse’s photography exhibition pays tribute to the professional behind the scenes (Photo credit: Ducky Tse)

To celebrate the efforts of everyone involved in the monumental project, Xiqu Centre is also pleased to present a stunning exhibition of photographs by artist Ducky Tse, which runs until 31 Mar in the Atrium.

The images document the eight-year development process of Xiqu Centre – from the initial design drafts to the completed venue. The exhibition reveals the beauty of the architectural structure and pays tribute to the dedication, hard work and support of the professionals who have made this project possible. The installation design, conceptualised and created by Hong Kong design studio AllRightsReserved in collaboration with a skilled Kam carpenter, takes inspiration from traditional and contemporary theatre spaces.

Duncan Pescod, Chief Executive Officer, WKCDA, said: “The Xiqu Centre guarantees a new experience, and we can’t wait to share it with the world. West Kowloon is officially open! Come to Hong Kong. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our newest facility!”

Click here to visit West Kowloon Cultural District Authority’s website.