If you are into dramatic melt downs and characters storming off stage, then you may want to check out a Chinese Opera! Never short on drama, the actors command the attention of the audience with their decadent costumes, head pieces and exaggerated make up and facial expressions. 

Just as impressive, is the bamboo theater in which they perform. Bamboo theaters have been around since the 1950's. These giant structures can house several hundred people at once. They are temporary structures erect with bamboo scaffolding, held together with pieces of nylon. There is a waterproof metal roof and brightly coloured banners to promote the show hanging outside. 

Watching them be built is a thing of magic and building them is down to improvisation and experience, instead of a detailed plan of action. The architects of these structures are the master craftsmen and workers who have learnt their skills from past generations, perfecting the technique over many years. It's hard to believe that with all the work that goes into making these, that they only stay up for a few days or weeks before being dissembled and rebuilt somewhere else.  

You will find these Bamboo Theaters springing up across Hong Kong around festival times to celebrate special occasions. There is, however, a fear that the use of bamboo is slowly disappearing in favor of steel. We hope these bamboo theaters won't go down without a fight. 

 

This weekend the JCCAC (Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre) will host its popular Handicraft Fair where more than 100 local artists will showcase their work and celebrate Hong Kong's creative art industry.  We will be opening the G.O.D Street Culture Gallery to the public where our Bamboo Scaffolding Miniature will be on display in our famous 'cha-chaan-teng' room, along with other miniatures of everyday Hong Kong scenes commissioned by master model maker Wong Wing Chun.

Come check out these artifacts in person and see the inspiration behind many G.O.D. designs and products.

JCCAC (Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre) Handicraft Fair 

G.O.D Street Culture Gallery, 

30 Pak Tin Street, Shek Kip Mei, Kowloon, Hong Kong

MTR Shek Kit Mei, Exit C

June 18 - 19

1 - 7 PM