Picture Actors' Federation presented a series of plays in Cantonese at the Central Theatre, and subsequently at a theatre in Kowloon. The plays included a fine performance of "Ka" (Family) by Pah Kin; but for the European ventur- ing to enjoy an evening's Oriental entertainment perhaps the more interesting spectacle was the Cantonese version of "The Lady of the Camellias" by Alexandre Dumas fils. The setting of this play was transferred in adaptation to con- temporary Shanghai with Violette as a westernised Chinese good-time girl and Armand's father as a typically dignified Chinese of the old school, conservative in dress and manner. In some ways this altered setting added a new and unexpected pungency to the play.
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The increase in the fighting services stationed in the Colony has had several effects on the cultural life of Hong Kong. In the summer a Forces Entertainment & Welfare Committee was appointed by the Governor, and among its functions has been the organizing of Forces broadcasts during Saturday and Sunday afternoons at times when Radio Hong Kong is not normally on the air. These broadcasts are paid for by the Committee, and various large firms in the Colony subscribe to the Committee's funds to enable these broadcasts to be given. Another section of the Committee deals with concerts for military personnel stationed in the New Territories and without easy access to Kowloon. number of talented amateur musicians and entertainers volunteered their services for these concerts and several Chinese professional entertainers ranging from musicians to acrobats generously offered their services free of charge. small mobile stage was constructed and, in spite of many difficulties, such as shortage of any suitable canteen or hall in which to perform, a number of successful entertainments were presented. As the months passed, and the initial problems of transporting pianos, performers and para- phernalia were overcome the entertainments became more regular and finally led to the formation of an Amateur Club for the Entertainment of the Services (ACES). Condition of membership is that the member must be willing to take part in two Forces entertainments per month. These voluntary concerts have been enthusiastically received by the New Territories troops, even when catastrophes occurred, such as the failure of the mobile stage to turn up in time for a performance, and a light-failure which left the performers illuminated in the headlights of a jeep.
Another way in which the Colony has benefited culturally from the presence of so many troops is that there is a larger number of Military Bands than has ever been stationed here before. This has led to a regular feature of fortnightly band concerts in
in the Botanic Gardens. These have proved remarkably popular with all sections of the public.
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