Kunming Theatre (昆明剧院) is one of the city’s most important cultural landmarks, established in 1957 and officially opened in 1958. Located on Youth Road (青年路), it has played a key role in shaping the artistic and cultural scene in Kunming and Yunnan province. The theatre not only brings together a wide array of performances from domestic and international artists but also provides a platform for cultural exchange and artistic innovation. With its large and small theatres, Kunming Theatre continues to present diverse performances, from music concerts to dance dramas, theatrical plays, and recitals.
Overview
- Chinese Name: 昆明剧院
- Foreign Name: Kunming Theatre
- Opening Year: 1958
- Location: Youth Road (青年路), Kunming, Yunnan Province
1. History of Development (发展历史)
Construction and Early Years
Kunming Theatre was constructed beginning in 1957 and completed in 1958. The building style follows a “Soviet-style architecture,” reflecting the cultural influences of the era. As the first standardized theatre in Kunming, it primarily served to meet the needs of local cultural and entertainment activities. In its early years, the theatre was used for screenings of films, public meetings, and performances by provincial troupes. It also served as an important space for the cultural enrichment of Kunming’s citizens.
Renovation and Expansion
In 1991, to support the Third China Art Festival (第三届中国艺术节), Kunming Theatre underwent a major renovation and redesign. The building’s structure was improved and modernized while maintaining its original location. By the early 2000s, as the demand for performances increased, the theatre became a key venue for cultural activities in Kunming and Yunnan.
With the growing popularity of international performances and an increasing need for higher-quality facilities, the theatre underwent substantial upgrades between 2016 and March 2018. This included the modernization of its stage hardware to improve safety and performance quality. In 2018, Kunming Theatre launched the “Kunming Theatre Small Theatre” project, with the small theatre opening in August 2019. Additionally, the theatre’s exterior was renovated and illuminated in February 2019, giving it a more contemporary and welcoming look.
Cultural Exchange and Commercial Performance
Since 2004, Kunming Theatre has been focusing on the operation of commercial performances. It has built long-term and mutually beneficial relationships with major national and international theatre companies, as well as artists and performers. The theatre acts as a vital cultural exchange platform, facilitating cooperation and sharing of resources. Kunming Theatre has been instrumental in organizing the “China-France Cultural Spring” (中法文化之春) in Kunming for several years, which includes a variety of performances, exhibitions, and other artistic events.
In 2018, Kunming Theatre launched two initiatives to make theatre performances more accessible to the general public: the “Yuexiang Card” (悦享卡) for music concerts and the “Xijing Prepaid Card” (戏精储值卡), which is valid for all theatrical genres. These programs aim to make tickets more affordable for audiences, thereby lowering the cost of attending performances for local residents.
2. Main Theatre (大剧场)
The Main Theatre is the larger of the two venues and regularly hosts performances including concerts, ballets, dramas, and recitals. It holds over 100 performances annually and contributes significantly to the cultural life of Kunming. This venue plays a key role in improving the artistic tastes and cultural appreciation of the local population, providing high-quality performances to a wide range of audiences.
With a seating capacity of around 1,000, the Main Theatre is equipped with modern sound and lighting systems to ensure top-tier production quality. Over the years, it has hosted many prestigious national and international performers and theatre companies, making it one of the most important cultural venues in Yunnan province.
3. Small Theatre (小剧场)
The Small Theatre, which opened in June 2019, provides a more intimate setting for performances and can accommodate 158 fixed seats and an additional 150 movable seats. The seating can be arranged in various configurations depending on the needs of the event or performance. The theatre is equipped with advanced lighting systems and an immersive holographic sound array to create an exceptional viewing experience.
In addition to performances, the Small Theatre is used for more niche and avant-garde art forms. It has become a platform for independent artists to showcase their work and is a space for more experimental performances. Kunming Theatre uses both the Main Theatre and the Small Theatre in tandem to bring a wider range of domestic and international performances to the city, expanding Kunming’s cultural offerings.
Yunnan Drama Troupe’s Residency
The Small Theatre also serves as the residency space for the Yunnan Drama Troupe’s “Drama Collection” (戏聚汇) performances. This has made it a key venue for the promotion of local drama productions. The theatre has quickly become a hub for cutting-edge arts in Kunming, fostering new and innovative works that reflect the city’s evolving cultural landscape.
4. Performance Agency and Representation (演出经纪代理)
Since 2013, Kunming Theatre has been involved in representing high-quality domestic and international performance troupes and artists. The theatre serves as an agent for China tours and acts as a bridge to introduce international artists to Chinese audiences. Every year, the theatre organizes and represents 3-5 international tours, offering a platform for foreign artists to showcase their work in China.
The theatre has also played a pivotal role in introducing domestic art to the international stage. For example, local productions like the Yunnan lantern opera “Walking Marriage” (走婚), the dance drama “Carnival Wa Tribe” (狂欢佤部落), and the play “Moving House” (搬家) have toured nationwide. These performances have helped to promote Yunnan’s unique cultural heritage and traditional arts to a broader audience.
Additionally, international artists from Finland, Italy, the United States, New Zealand, and France have toured China through Kunming Theatre. One notable example is the “Finnish Perfect Pitch Choir” (芬兰完美音调合唱团), which recently completed a 12-city tour across China and received widespread praise. Kunming Theatre plans to continue expanding its international partnerships, with the choir expected to return for another tour in 2020.
Future Projects
Looking ahead, Kunming Theatre is set to represent the original musical “Fragrant City” (馨香之城) by the Kunming National Song and Dance Theatre (昆明市民族歌舞剧院) in a nationwide tour starting in 2020.
5. Recital Activities (朗诵活动)
In 2019, Kunming Theatre launched the “Voice of Dianchi” (滇池之声) series of events, designed to promote the protection of Dianchi Lake (滇池) and raise awareness about environmental issues. This initiative aims to inspire people to respect and appreciate nature while fostering a love for a better life.
The first recital event, titled “Voice of Dianchi: First Recital of Famous Works” (滇池之声·第一届名家名篇朗诵会), took place on May 9, 2019. This event featured well-known Chinese artists, such as Da Shichang (达式常), Li Lihong (李立宏), Pu Cunxin (濮存昕), Song Chunli (宋春丽), Sun Qiang (孙强), Yan Xiaoping (严晓频), Yao Xijuan (姚锡娟), and Zhao Xiaolu (赵晓璐). These renowned figures recited famous works to mark the beginning of a series of recitals that would continue throughout the year. The theme of the 2019 recital was “The Power of Voice” (声音的力量), highlighting the transformative nature of spoken words and their impact on society.
The “Voice of Dianchi” Series
The “Voice of Dianchi” series is a cornerstone of Kunming Theatre’s ongoing efforts to foster cultural and environmental awareness in the community. Through these activities, the theatre aims to create a stronger connection between art, nature, and the local people, while also promoting cultural dialogue and exchange.
Kunming Theater昆明剧院
ADDRESS410 Qingnian Lu, Kunming
Chinese ADD: 昆明青年路410号
PHONE:(0871) 63169950
WEBSITE www.ynkmjy.com