ENG-1992 — Page 385

RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS

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The Grand Theatre is a popular venue for operas, musicals, dance, drama and film shows. During 1992, the venue hosted productions of Tosca, Otello and A Flea in Her Ear, performances by the National Ballet of Canada, the Cullberg Ballet, Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo and over 100 other performances.

The Studio Theatre with its variable stage configurations has proven to be a valuable venue for small productions requiring an intimate atmosphere. The extensive rehearsal, practice facilities and exhibition areas of Hong Kong Cultural Centre are patronised by many local cultural organisations.

To promote the centre as well as the arts in Hong Kong, 252 regular free foyer programmes, education programmes and organ recitals were held in the cultural centre. Also, a 'friend' scheme with an annual membership of over 2 000 has been organised for dedicated supporters since 1989.

In 1992, patrons visiting the centre totalled about 3.5 million.

City Hall

Since its opening in 1962, the City Hall has become synonymous with the development of the arts and culture in Hong Kong. It continues to be one of the Urban Council's major cultural venues while retaining its popularity as a centre in the urban areas for the performing and visual arts.

The City Hall celebrated its 30th anniversary in 1992 with a series of programmes encompassing all art forms presented throughout the year.

Other significant events presented in the City Hall during the year included the 1992 Hong Kong Arts Festival, the 16th Hong Kong International Film Festival, the Inter- national Arts Carnival and the 14th Festival of Asian Arts.

Important civic functions staged at the City Hall included the departure of the former Governor of Hong Kong, Lord Wilson, and the arrival and swearing-in ceremony of the new Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten.

During the year, 366 000 people attended 770 performances in the concert hall, the theatre and the recital hall. In addition, 114 exhibitions were held in the exhibition hall and exhibition gallery.

Ko Shan Theatre

Ko Shan Theatre is the only semi-open-air theatre in Hong Kong. It has 3 000 seats of which 1 000 are in the open.

The theatre is suitable for a broad range of cultural and entertainment events. Cantonese operas and operatic songs are frequently staged in the theatre. The second most popular events are rock concerts. In 1992, 145 378 people attended 107 performances.

Community Arts Centres

Besides the Ko Shan Theatre, the Urban Council operates three community arts centres to promote district-based cultural activities.

Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre has a 443-seat theatre, a 350-square-metre exhibition hall, a 90-seat lecture room, two music practice rooms and a dance practice area. In the year, the theatre was used for 164 events, including drama, dance, variety shows as well as ceremonies for a total audience of 42 357.