The New Light Theatre, which has stood as one of Hong Kong's cultural icons for over half a century, officially closed its doors on March 3, 2025. This beloved venue has been particularly cherished by fans of Cantonese opera, marking the end of an era for many.
On its final night, residents and artists gathered to witness the last performance of the popular Cantonese opera, "Xiao Ping, Hello." Excited chatter filled the air as attendees prepared to celebrate the history of the theatre before the drama unfolded on stage. Li Ge Ming, the theatre's chairman who took over the management of New Light Theatre twelve years ago, expressed deep emotions about the closure. "I cannot keep the New Light Theatre now!" he said, reflecting on the theatre's fate after years of effort.
The New Light Theatre was inaugurated in 1972 and quickly became one of the few privately-run theatres showcasing Cantonese opera. Throughout the years, it witnessed countless productions, becoming synonymous with the vibrant local arts scene. Li took over amid uncertainties about the theatre’s future, having successfully operated it for over twelve years and even producing 37 shows during his tenure. This impressive record garnered applause from audiences as well as artists.
"The New Light Theatre has been my home for the past 12 years; I have created 37 shows here," Li remarked, standing on the stage with heartfelt gratitude. "Seeing so many people come to support our final performance really shows the strong bond we’ve formed over the years." His devotion to preserving Cantonese opera, which is traditionally rich and steeped with cultural heritage, resonates deeply within the community.
Throughout the theatre's operation, it has faced the surging competition of modern entertainment options such as film and streaming services. Yet, many locals regard the New Light Theatre as more than just bricks and mortar; it is an integral part of their cultural identity. Regrettably, the theatre's fate took a downturn when it was sold to the church Island ECC, which plans to convert the space for communal worship. Many citizens shared their sorrow by noting, "It feels heartbreaking to see such cultural venues disappearing without proper preservation efforts."
During the farewell ceremony following the last show, Li was joined by several prominent performing artists, whose presence underscored the impact the New Light Theatre had on the artistic community. After the last curtain fell, various individuals shared their heartfelt recollections, reminiscing about the countless performances witnessed and the friendships forged over the years. The audience erupted with applause, marking this final act as both cathartic and celebratory, as they paid tribute to the cherished memories housed within the venue's walls.
Community members demonstrated their love for the theatre, flocking together to honor its legacy. Many attendees were spotted capturing the moment on their cameras, with some even bringing paintings depicting scenes from the theatre's past performances. The emotional atmosphere conveyed the strong community ties reinforced by shared experiences at the New Light Theatre.
Li, reflecting on the theatre's closing, made it clear he does not wish to let its legacy fade away entirely. "Although the New Light Theatre as we know it is closing, the spirit of the theatre will continue. I hope to explore new forms of cultural performances to reinforce our shared heritage," he stated, insisting on the continued relevance of Cantonese opera at varying venues around Hong Kong.
With the theatre's closure, many hope to see more efforts for cultural preservation blossom amid rapid urban development. On this bittersweet evening, memories of the New Light Theatre will linger on, filled with nostalgia and hope for the resurgence of similar venues dedicated to preserving local culture and heritage. Despite the closure marking the end of one significant chapter, artists and audiences alike remain committed to nurturing and celebrating the spirit of Cantonese opera for years to come.
While the theatre's neon lights dimmed for the last time, community members walked away with renewed promises to advocate for local culture, striving to find ways to honor its past at the future venues, ensuring the vibrant legacy of the New Light Theatre remains etched in Hong Kong's ever-evolving narrative.