Curtains drop on legendary Sunbeam Theatre

Sunbeam Theatre, a landmark of Cantonese opera in Hong Kong, closed its doors for the last time after a final performance on early Tuesday morning.

Located in North Point, the theater had been a cultural pillar for over 50 years.

The closing ceremony was led by Edward Li Kui-ming, the theater's chairman and a Cantonese opera playwright. He was joined by notable figures including actress Nancy Sit Ka-yin, opera singer Loong Koon-tin, and filmmaker Terry Lai Siu-Ping. 

The group marked the theater's closure at 12.17am by turning off the lights and locking the gates amid the applause and cheers of the audience.

Reflecting on his deep connection with the theater, Li recounted his first experience at Sunbeam Theatre at age 17 in 1972. He never imagined that decades later, he would be on stage for its final act. 

At 60, inspired by a veteran performer's critique that Cantonese opera was losing its allure, Li penned his first opera. This marked the beginning of a series of unique productions that re-engaged audiences.

In 2012, faced with the potential closure of the theater and moved by the emotional response of the audience, Li decided to renew his contract and continue managing the venue. He expressed gratitude for the support from the Cantonese opera community and the audience, which helped sustain the theater's operations.

Li hopes that the legacy of Sunbeam Theatre will persist in other venues and that Cantonese opera, along with other cultural performances, will continue to thrive in Hong Kong, propelled by the community's passion and support.

As news of the closure spread, many locals and Cantonese opera enthusiasts gathered at the theater to take photos and share memories. For many, Sunbeam Theatre was not just a venue but a significant part of their lives and social circles.

The crowd outside the theater grew as the evening progressed, leading to partial road closures due to congestion. This turnout underscored the theater's impact on the community and the cultural landscape of Hong Kong.