The head of the Beijing Cultural Bureau revealed on Tuesday that 10 open-air theaters will be built by the end of this year across the capital and the municipal government will sponsor performing troupes in these venues.
In addition, some performing associations and agencies are discussing the possibility of constructing an entertainment street or area where more than a dozen theaters would be clustered for performing troupes of different kinds.
An open-air public entertainment area known as Tianqiao in southern Beijing used to be a place where folk artists such as singers, magicians, acrobats and martial art masters staged shows in old Beijing. The place disappeared when folk artists were incorporated into performing troupes in the late 1950s.
If these open-air theaters or entertainment center could host a great variety of performances, hopefully traditional folk art forms of different kinds would be better protected and able to thrive.
If talented performing troupes appeared at these venues, audiences would have the chance to see quality artists. That would also be commendable.
But it would be wishful thinking to expect that Beijingers would spontaneously find their way into these theaters. It will not be that easy to attract the many residents accustomed to lying on their sofas before their TV screens, changing channels.
We applaud the Beijing municipal cultural authorities for taking on the responsibility of providing the city’s residents and visitors with multiple opportunities to enjoy cultural entertainment.
And as a cultural center of the country, Beijing does need more venues for cultural performances.
Yet, it is far from enough to just cluster a dozen theaters on the same street. Major efforts are needed to organize the best programs both traditional and modern artistic performances.
In addition, these theaters should eventually be able to sustain themselves since it is unrealistic for them to expect permanent government support. [by stephanieshieh]
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