The Awakening is an experimental Cantonese opera that brings together diverse artists to celebrate the historic Sing Kew Theatre and to share the extraordinary stories of inhabitants of Chinatown who mobilized there in the 1930s-1940s to fight for their right to be recognized as Canadians, and to fight on Canada’s behalf in WWII.

The Sing Kew Theatre, built in 1898, was located at No. 544 Shanghai Alley in Vancouver Chinatown. At 500 seats, it was the first major theatre for Cantonese Opera in Vancouver and a place of spiritual and cultural connection for Chinese immigrants. The theatre also served as a place of public political mobilization. Due to the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882 - 1947), Chinese immigration was heavily restricted and those who managed to cross the border faced steep exclusionary and discriminatory policies upon arrival. Our piece exposes this history – and celebrates the community members who rose together to have their rights and humanity acknowledged legally.

By fusing Cantonese opera, Western opera, and contemporary theatre, our goal is to revitalize awareness of Chinatown’s cultural heritage and its forgotten histories. The burning down of the Sing Kew in 1947 led to its erosion in public consciousness despite its historic significance.

The story explores very painful cultural memories of anti-Asian discrimination and oppression – and of the heroic figures who rose up. Using music and theatrical storytelling, we have a unique opportunity to create an engaging and transformative theatrical event that literally immerses audiences in their local history.

Rationale:

“The Awakening” addresses the decline and gentrification of Chinatowns and the rise of anti-Asian racism. With increasing crime, homelessness, and isolation among Chinese Canadian seniors, Vancouver has become known as the “anti-Asian hate crime capital of North America.” This project celebrates Chinatown’s heritage, highlighting the community’s strength, compassion, and resilience. It fosters intercultural and intergenerational relationships through storytelling and bilingual programming, preserving local history for younger generations. The story explores anti-Asian discrimination and the heroic figures who resisted it, using music and theatrical storytelling to create an immersive experience.

Artistic Vision:

“The Awakening” is a “fusion opera” blending traditional Cantonese opera with mid-century Vancouver Chinatown music (blues, jazz) and contemporary set and costume design. The story, dialogue, and singing are rooted in Cantonese Opera, retelling historic tales and legends. The stage props, set design, and costumes draw from Vancouver’s historic Chinatown and modern theatre. Video projection, historic soundscapes, and creative lighting recreate the 1930s-1940s Chinatown ambiance. The goal is to create a new form of opera that reflects the cultural hybridity and diverse theatrical traditions of Vancouver’s Chinatown.