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It may seem a laughable idea, but culture does exist in Hong Kong. The city's reputation as a brashly philistine capitalist paradise has not exactly enlarged its footprint on the international cultural scene, but it should be remembered that this is Greater China's film and media powerhouse and one area where Chinese arts and culture have flourished without political and ideological interference. For instance, the traditional Chinese opera at the China Club never had to struggle with all the Maoist impositions that afflicted it on the mainland. HKTicketing (tel: 3128 8288; website: www.hkticketing.com) and UrbTix (tel: 2734 9009; website: www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Entertainment/Ticket/en/index.php) sell tickets to cultural events. Those looking for events and performance in the city should check the free listings in BC Magazine (website: http://hk.bcmagazine.net), Where Hong Kong (website: www.where-hongkong.com), City Life HK Magazine (website: www.asia-city.com) and Beats (website: www.beatsmag.com) for the latest details. |
Hong Kong Music: The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (tel: 2721 2030; website: www.hkpo.com) is the town ensemble and its frequent showings at corporate galas at least bankroll a full year-round programme.
Hong Kong Theatre: The Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts (see above), the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (see above) and the Hong Kong Arts Centre, Upper Basement, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai (tel: 2582 0200; website: www.hkac.org.hk), are shrines of high theatrical culture.
Hong Kong Dance: Hong Kong's classical ballet troupe is the Hong Kong Ballet (tel: 2573 7398; website: www.hkballet.com) and preferred venues include the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (see above) and the Ko Shan Theatre, 77 Ko Shan Road, Hunghom, Kowloon (tel: 2734 9009).
Hong Kong Film: Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee and director John Woo remain icons of the local film industry, which suffered a real downturn and creativity deficit during the 1990s. However, a new breed of ‘household name' stars and a growing demand for more creative cinematic fare has revitalised Hong Kong film.
Hong Kong Literary Notes: Hong Kong has not left a deep impression on global literature. Perhaps, for too long in its history, it lacked the allure of neighbouring Shanghai and the recent economic dynamism has yet to find a literary expression. There is a rich tradition of Cantonese literature but this has not made much of an impact in translation either.