Joanna James
Asian theatres are among the most diverse and unique in the world. Their rich and cultural heritage seeps into many works of art and imparts a timeless impression on their spectators.
The Victoria Concert Hall in Singapore was constructed in 1862. Presently, it's a landmark in Singapore, with its stunning grey/white neoclassical front contrasting with the glassy skyscrapers of the city. Originally constructed to be the town hall cum theatre, it was too small for either purpose. Inside, you will come across a massive theatre and concert hall that can accommodate 673 guests plus rehearsal rooms. In 1979, it was further expanded to include a gallery in its Memorial Hall. It soon became the home of the renowned Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
Nowadays, the venue puts up classical concerts, theatre performances, movie festivals, and dance recitals. It is also the venue of events such as the International Piano Festival of Singapore. The likes of My Entertainment Hub are a great research tool to locate the best theatre performances in the region.
The performance theatre in Hanoi showcases water puppetry, a dying form of art unique to Vietnam. It comes from the 11th century when locals would construct performances in the soaked paddy fields, all the while in waist-deep water. Long rods would be used to support the puppets, providing the illusion of puppets moving on water unaided.
The theatre in Urasoe, Okinawa Prefecture in Japan opened in January 2004. The central auditorium accommodates 632 guests, while a smaller theatre has a seating capacity of 255. Some of the main performances include Kumi Odori, a type of narrative dance to Ryūkyūan music. The centre also serves as one of the theatre archives to record, conserve, and facilitate the performing culture in Okinawa, especially Kumi Odori. It also conducts exchange programmes with other performing arts theatres across Asia and Asia-Pacific regions.
Standing majestically at the centre of Ho Chi Minh is the Saigon Opera House, also called the Municipal Theater. Its construction remains among the most remarkable attractions in Saigon. Constructed by Eugene Ferret, a French architect in 1898 whose design mimics the "flashy" styles of the Third French Republic. It is elevated from the street and stands at least two metres above it, with double doors to contain outside noise. From afar, the Opera House poses a striking picture, with its architecture boasting stone-carved embellishments and sculptures at the doorway, while crystal chandeliers and glistening granite adorn the interiors. All construction raw materials were imported from France. Its elliptical auditorium holds 468 seats offering great views from each seat, and is echo-free!
Beijing's National Centre for Performing Arts is popularly known as the giant egg. Its structure is a visual masterpiece created by French-born architect, Paul Andreu. Opened in 2007, it is the largest performing theatre in Asia and has an opera hall, theatre, exhibition galleries, a music hall, audio shops, restaurants and much more. Traditional opera, folk music, symphonies, and classical and contemporary dance recitals take centre stage here.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
