The New Light Theatre, which has graced North Point for over half a century, officially closed its doors on March 3, 2025, marking the end of an era for Cantonese opera enthusiasts.
At the stroke of midnight, the theatre's iconic neon sign flickered off for the last time after the final performance of the Cantonese opera Xiao Ping, Hello. Attendees packed the venue, where over the years, the theatre became known as the bastion of Cantonese cultural heritage.
During the evening’s farewell ceremony, which started around 11:45 PM following the final performance, key figures from the Cantonese opera scene gathered to pay homage to the significance of the venue. Long Guantian, president of the Eight Harmonies Guild, expressed his heartfelt emotions, stating, "New Light Theatre, not goodbye but respect, forever unforgettable." He reflected on his career's beginnings at the theatre, expressing gratitude for the platform it provided for Cantonese opera.
Xue Jiayan, who rushed back from filming commitments in Hangzhou to be present, expressed her personal connection to the theatre. "I must return to witness this moment because New Light means so much to me," she shared, her eyes welling up with emotion. Over the years, Xue performed many times on this stage and acknowledged the pivotal role the theatre played not only for her but also for the community.
The atmosphere was electric with nostalgia as past performers and patrons reminisced about their experiences. The final audience reflected on their memories, with many creating artwork or memorabilia to capture this poignant moment. One theatre-goer poignantly stated, "This is the end of my childhood," highlighting the theatre's role as not merely an entertainment venue but also as a significant part of their lives.
Culturally, the New Light Theatre was not just known for its performances but also for its unique atmosphere. Unlike modern venues, it retained the charm of many years past, where audience members felt encouraged to bring snacks and create their own experiences. Lin, a long-time viewer, stated, "I used to come here with my family for years; the atmosphere was like visiting relatives. You just can’t replicate this anywhere else."
Li Ju Ming, the theatre's chairman and significant proponent of Cantonese opera, reflected on the theatre's legacy during the closure ceremony. "Every good thing has to end, but it also means new beginnings," he remarked thoughtfully. Li discussed the theatre's history, having taken over operations years ago to save it from closure,
"I had no idea when I took over the New Light Theatre how it would shape my life and the cultural identity of so many," Li said. “With the neon lights now extinguished, what we have built, the 37 treasured performances, will live on through the community they created.”
The emotional resonance of the final night was palpable as crowd members wiped away tears; the evocative atmosphere swept through the theatre, encompassing nostalgia, love, and loss. Audience members were seen capturing the moments on their cameras, vowing to carry cherished memories from the theatre with them.
Many elderly patrons affectionately referred to it as their "home of Cantonese opera." Huang Xia Hui, aged 94 and a past performer at the theatre, noted, "New Light feels like family; I’ve spent decades performing here. It’s heartbreaking to see it end; it’s like my home has collapsed." Her sentiments echoed throughout the audience as many shed tears, celebrating the theatre's contributions to their lives and the arts.
The New Light Theatre opening its doors years ago symbolized hope and resilience for the Cantonese performing arts community. Despite the challenges it faced over the years, the theatre remained through crises, including potential closure due to redevelopment plans.
Government support behind the curtain has clashed with property redevelopment interests, and as tenants and community members feared the worst, cultural advocates fought passionately to sustain its legacy. Their efforts, unfortunately, were overcome by the sale of the building to The Island Evangelical Community Church, which is set to convert the property.
With the theatre closing, the community faces the stark reality of losing one of the last significant private venues dedicated to Cantonese opera. Attendees can only hope new venues will emerge to continue the tradition and showcase the art form, carrying its rich history forward. Yet, many know this change is bittersweet; they are left with memories and photo stories, tangible slices of their cultural past.
Despite the theatre's closure, the spirit of New Light Theatre will undoubtedly continue through the memories and performances it harbored over the past 52 years. The community's hopes for preservation reflect the desire for not just survival but for recognition of their cultural narratives shaped on those sacred stages.
The echoes of applause mingled with tears last night, signaling not just the end of productions but also the waning of communal memory. Just like the lights of the New Light Theatre dimmed, so did the night draw to close, moving forward emblematic of both hope and nostalgia—for all those who love Cantonese opera.”