Get ready for the pre-opening program of Xiqu Centre. The new facility at West Kowloon includes Grand Theatre, Tea House Theatre, eight studios and a seminar hall.

Two specially selected traditional set repertoires - Birthday of the God of Venus and Prime Minister of Six States - will be staged on Dec 30 to inaugurate the venue's Grand Theatre, followed by a week of open days and free programs. These include screenings of some iconic xiqu films, guided tours, talks and workshops.

At Tea House Theatre, audiences can enjoy tea and dim sum as they watch scaled-down Chinese opera performances by Tea House Rising Stars Troupe. The shows are designed to introduce new audiences to Chinese traditional theater.

The formal opening is on Jan 20, 2019 with a performance of the Cantonese opera classic The Reincarnation of Red Plum. But there's no need to wait until that date to visit the site, take in its visually striking architecture inspired by the form of traditional Chinese lanterns. Upon stepping through the main entrance, designed to look like parted stage curtains, explore the atrium with its raised podium and performance and exhibition spaces.

(HK Edition 10/19/2018 page11)