Sunbeam theatre : place identity and character from people's collective memories

Abstract

The topic of this thesis is Sunbeam theatre, which has been the only long-lasting private theatre for Cantonese Opera performance since the 1970s. To many people in Hong Kong, Sunbeam Theatre comes to mind as they think of North Point. Is it because Sunbeam Theatre has become an important shared memory of North Point to the people? The thesis studies how and why Sunbeam Theatre has become a collective memory of North Point to people. For an in-depth investigation, the thesis studies the connection between collective memories of various social groups and place identities and its characters. The studied social groups include Chinese affiliated associations and companies, graduates of facilities-lacking schools, audiences’ groups, and professional Cantonese opera troupes. The study of collective memories of Sunbeam Theatre is essential in this thesis. English Heritage mentions that the commemorative value and symbolic value present collective memory because locals construct memories or other symbols for their events, attitudes, or periods in history in a particular heritage through community efforts. Meanwhile, English Heritage also states that commemorative value and symbolic value reflect the meanings of a place for those who draw part of their identity from it or have an emotional linkage to it. Thus, it is essential to study the collective memory of Sunbeam Theatre for this research. The thesis contributes to a better understanding of the importance of collective memory in shaping place identity and place characters. Besides, it also documents the cultural heritage elements that shape the collective memory of Sunbeam Theatre. Last but not least, the thesis provides an important basis for further research and conservation of Sunbeam Theatre in the future.