The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority will raise the curtain of our debut showcase with a Cantonese opera programme cum exhibition at a purpose-built bamboo theatre at the future site of the Xiqu Centre on Canton Road (next to Tsim Sha Tsui Fire Station) during the Chinese New Year 2012, offering an elegant fusion of traditional Cantonese opera and contemporary visual art installations.

From 20 to 23 January, the bamboo theatre will feature four star-studded Cantonese opera performances by The Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong. With overwhelming response, all tickets were sold out on the box office opening day! To ensure all of you will be able to get a taste of things to come at the new Cultural District, we will provide two free programmes: M+ Bamboo Theatre Exhibition and M+ Bamboo Cinema, for an all-rounded cultural experience.

M+ has commissioned five Hong Kong artists, namely Chu Hing-wah, Gaylord Chan, Michael Wolf, Samson Young and Henry Chu to create four new contemporary artworks inspired by Cantonese opera which will be exhibited at the venue.

The bamboo theatre will become an open-air cinema on 24 January, the second day of Chinese New Year. Specially curated by film veteran Law Kar and visual artist Chow Chun-fai, the 8-hour film marathon will offer the audience a unique cinema experience through screening of five Cantonese opera-related Hong Kong cinema classics. For programme details, please visit the website www.bambootheatre.wkcda.hk.