Your Voice: Closure of Hong Kong’s Sunbeam Theatre closure sparks debate, love for ‘Chiikawa’ (long letters)

I am writing to express my disappointment with the inadequate measures taken by the government to preserve local Chinese culture.

The Sunbeam Theatre, a cultural landmark of Cantonese opera, has closed after its lights turned off on March 3. Marking its debut in 1972, the theatre ended its historical service dedicated to the public after half a century. In light of the theatre’s closure, it is time to reflect.

The truth is that the government has obscured long-term Chinese cultural development. While officials claim their full commitment to preserving local cultural heritage, their actions paint a grim picture.

To begin with, many small theatre art groups struggle to secure suitable venues for their productions. Appropriate performance venues in Hong Kong are insufficient for these small groups to showcase their work.

The government runs major venues like the Xiqu Centre and Ko Shan Theatre. However, the rigid rental procedures, often referred to as the “red tape,” radiate a discouraging attitude.

How a Cantonese opera troupe in Hong Kong is bringing new life to this ancient art

Has the government ever considered how the large number of application forms, various supporting documents, and high rental rates are all a heavy burden for these small organisations?

Adopting this management mode is not conducive to the long-term development of emerging theatre troupes. In sharp contrast, it lowers their morale and keeps them away from performance spaces.

The Sunbeam Theatre situation has sparked an intense public debate; one notable discussion is whether the government’s actions are supportive. Many local and amateur artists remain optimistic about preserving Chinese opera – an intangible cultural heritage. Many cultural institutions heavily rely on government subsidies and assistance, while the current financial support is in short supply, further affecting the sustainability of cultural activities.

It is questionable that the government’s responses remain vague and unsupportive. The lack of support raises serious issues regarding the government’s commitment to cultural preservation.

Does the government intend to let our history and rich culture fade out simply because it doesn’t align with modern trends?

I urge the government to set up a preservation council to sustain and oversee the long-term development of Chinese opera. The council would be responsible for regularly negotiating with Chinese opera groups to ensure that the performances align with core interests.

Youth represent tomorrow’s energy; fostering their interests and helping them inherit this heritage is also essential. By selecting Chinese opera enthusiasts, the council can launch an ambassador programme, revitalising the art expression by injecting new vigour.

Witnessing this misfortune, I couldn’t help but feel a heartfelt sense of sombreness.

Several provocative questions emerged in my mind. Will the Sunbeam Theatre create a chilling effect? Does the death of this theatre signify the end of other artistic expressions?

While Sunbeam has already become a collective memory, it serves as a stark reminder that now is the critical moment for us, as well as the government, to preserve our precious cultures; otherwise, our cultural richness is at risk of being lost.

Natalie Chang Ka-ming, St Paul’s Secondary School

A recent Young Post article encapsulates the heartwarming charisma and emotional depth behind Japanese manga series Chiikawa’s widespread appeal, especially among young people navigating the daily pressures of modern life.

As an avid fan of Chiikawa, I would like to shed light on and expand upon why this modest, adorable anime has morphed into a cultural phenomenon that provides comfort in a fast-paced, overwhelming world.

Chiikawa’s popularity among Hong Kong youth is evident. While its surface-level “small and cute” aesthetic is undeniably appealing, the show’s deeper emotional resonance and sombre themes truly set it apart from other anime.

In Hong Kong, a competitive city where academic, career and financial pressures heavily burden young minds, Chiikawa occupies a rare space for vulnerability. Unlike other mascot-based franchises, which focus on delivering a jovial, carefree experience to their viewers, Chiikawa uses its adorable visuals as a disguise to explore complex emotions such as fear, disappointment and resilience.

This contrast deepens the series’ emotional impact and reinforces its core message: while often challenging and imperfect, life is still worth cherishing. For a generation of young people facing immense societal pressures, this is a gentle reminder to find beauty in the small moments of joy that life offers, making it a stand-out cultural phenomenon.

Another reason young people are captivated by Chiikawa is its characters’ angelic nature and heartwarming portrayal of friendship and community. In 21st-century Hong Kong, where a competitive atmosphere has entrenched utilitarian values, acts of pure generosity are rare.

Yet the show offers a refreshing contrast through characters like Hachiware, who displays remarkable selflessness despite his own deprivation by sharing his hard-earned goods with friends – even saving the poorest-quality items for himself. This mutual support among the characters highlights the beauty of genuine connections.

In this era dominated by superficial and fleeting social media interactions, Chiikawa’s emphasis on authentic relationships and the power of camaraderie feels particularly poignant. The characters’ ability to face life’s challenges together with kindness touches the hearts of viewers, especially teenagers who may feel isolated or long for a sense of belonging.

Adding icing to the cake is the growing Chiikawa fan base amplifying this sense of community. Young people bond over their shared love for the series – whether through online discussions or in-person meet-ups – and the fan base has morphed into a source of real-life support, creating a space where meaningful human connections can flourish.

In conclusion, Chiikawa’s success is rooted in its ability to offer a genuine emotional refuge for young people navigating the complexities of modern life. The series has undoubtedly melted the hearts of its audience. I hope more people will discover the small yet profound joys this series offers while forging meaningful connections through it.