WKCDA Leads Delegation on Exchange to Shanghai

Following the signing of a partnership agreement with the Shanghai Center of Chinese Operas in July, the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) led a delegation to Shanghai in August to enhance collaborations on xiqu between the two cities.

Among the 21 members in the delegation were Duncan Pescod, Chief Executive Officer of the WKCDA; Louis Yu, Executive Director of Performing Arts at the WKCDA; members of the WKCDA Performing Arts Committee and the Xiqu Centre Advisory Group; Chairman and members of the Cantonese Opera Development Fund Advisory Committee; members of the Cantonese Opera Advisory Committee; and representatives from the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, the Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong, and the Home Affairs Bureau. The delegation visited the Shanghai Center of Chinese Operas and its various troupes, and discussed opportunities for future collaboration with local artists. The Shanghai Center of Chinese Operas also confirmed their participation in the Grand Opening Season of the Xiqu Centre in the West Kowloon Cultural District in 2018.

Members of the delegation were briefed by Zhang Ming, President of the Shanghai Center of Chinese Operas, on the latest work of the Center on various fronts, including the development of both hardware and software for its xiqu troupes, and initiatives for the preservation and promotion of xiqu. In addition they were given updates on the relevant policies of the Shanghai municipal government and details of its support for the art form.

Louis Yu said, “The Chinese Opera troupes in Shanghai work very closely with each other. I hope that the troupes in Hong Kong will also be able to develop intimate ties enabling further exchange and dialogue, and that with a combined effort we can raise the standing of this traditional art form in Hong Kong.”

WKCDA’s representatives and members of the delegation also took part in the Shanghai-Hong Kong Cultural Exchange Seminar, during which they shared their experience in talent cultivation, audience building and marketing strategies with representatives from the xiqu troupes in Shanghai, namely the Kunqu Opera Troupe, the Huju Theatre Company, the Jingju Theatre Company, the Huaiju Troupe, the Yueju Theatre Company and the Shanghai Pingtan Troupe. Participants from both cities were also keen to explore opportunities for future cooperation.

Members of the delegation later watched an impressive Kunqu performance at Shanghai Liyuan, before meeting with the Shanghai Theatre Academy and government officials to discuss opportunities for collaboration. The delegation also visited the new Shanghai International Dance Center and the Xuhui Waterfront Area. The Dance Center currently houses two theatres and 48 rehearsal rooms, with four training institutions and dance groups in residence. The Xuhui Waterfront Area is the home of an art museum, various waterfront facilities and the Planning Exhibition Hall.