****************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Frankie Yick and a written reply by the Acting Secretary for Home Affairs, Ms Florence Hui, in the Legislative Council today (June 5):
Question:
The restored Yau Ma Tei Theatre (the Theatre) was officially commissioned in mid-July last year. At present, the Theatre mainly provides performance, rehearsal and training venues for Chinese opera activities. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the utilisation of the auditorium in the Theatre (excluding the two function rooms) from mid-July last year to mid-May this year, set out in the table below (Annex I); and
(b) of the utilisation rate of the Theatre since its commissioning; whether the authorities have assessed if such a utilisation rate was satisfactory and met the expected level; if they have, of the assessment results?
Reply:
President,
With a view to promoting Cantonese opera, the Yau Ma Tei Theatre (YMTT) upon revitalisation and conversion is taken as a performing arts venue dedicated to Chinese opera and related activities, and in particular, to the provision of performing, rehearsing and training facilities for budding Cantonese opera talents and upcoming troupes. With a 300-seat theatre and two function rooms, the YMTT has, since its official opening, successfully established itself as a venue for the promotion of Cantonese opera and nurturing of budding artists through wide media coverage, the support of the Cantonese Opera sector and the general public, as well as a series of budding artists' performances and other promotional activities by its Venue Partner, Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong (CAAHK).
My reply to the two parts of the question is as follows:
(a) The utilisation of the YMTT's theatre (excluding the two function rooms) from mid-July last year (since its official opening on July 17, 2012) to mid-May 2013 is set out in the table below (Annex II).
(b) The utilisation of the YMTT has been very satisfactory since its official opening on July 17, 2012. As at mid-May this year, except the days for venue maintenance and improvement works, the Theatre was fully booked in terms of the number of days available for booking, registering a total of 354 performances, and an aggregate attendance of over 66 100.
Ends/Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Issued at HKT 14:31
NNNN
