Walking into the Tong Lau: A Dream of Yau Ma Tei Theatre Experience

Overview

"Walking into the Tong Lau: A Dream of Yau Ma Tei" is a unique fusion of heritage walking tour and immersive theatre. Co-presented by Utopia Cantonese Opera Workshop and Walk in Hong Kong, this event offers a profound exploration of Yau Ma Tei’s historical tapestry, seamlessly blending traditional Cantonese opera with modern spatial narratives.

Program Highlights

The tour begins at the historical Red Brick House, winding through local landmarks including the Yau Ma Tei Theatre, the Fruit Market, the Tin Hau Temple, the Yau Ma Tei Police Station, and the Broadway Cinematheque. Participants will gain insights into how these century-old structures and street cultures have shaped the cinematic and performance landscape of Yau Ma Tei.

Following the tour, the experience culminates at a pre-war Tong Lau located at 313 Shanghai Street. This venue transforms into a heritage theatre for the immersive experimental play The Intervention: The Awakening Moment. This innovative production creates a cross-over between the classical Kunqu masterpiece The Peony Pavilion and popular Cantopop, breathing new life into traditional Cantonese opera within the atmospheric setting of a historic building. Guests are invited to share their thoughts with the cast following the performance.

Performers & Guides

• Guide (Oct 25): Yip Wing-sze
• Guide (Nov 1): Chan Chi-yuen

Schedule & Venue

• Timing: 1:15 PM – 2:45 PM for the community tour (including access to the top two floors of the Tong Lau); 3:00 PM for the immersive heritage theatre performance.
• Meeting Point: Red Brick House (Block 1, 8 Waterloo Road, Yau Ma Tei).

Join us for this immersive journey to rediscover Yau Ma Tei through the lens of history, cinema, and traditional performance arts.