Bulletin No. 1, 2014

20   Chinese University Bulletin No. 1, 2014 Puppet workshop T he campus after the examinations in May was relatively quiet, with the exception of Sir Run Run Shaw Hall (SRRSH), which was enlivened by the 10th Chinese Universities Shakespeare Festival. The event was well attended by secondary school teachers and students, and Shakespeare fans. In the 1980s, performing venues for the arts were scarce in Hong Kong. That was when SRRSH came into being. With a seating capacity of 1,453, SRRSH was equipped with professional stage engineering, stage lighting, a sound system and two 16/35 mm dual-purpose film projectors. The seats on the frontal multi-usage flat floor area are removable. Since its launch in 1981, a vibrant and diverse assortment of films, dramas, musicals and dances have been staged here. Professional Ms. Ribble Chung, arts administrator and manager of SRRSH Drama art troupes like the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, the Chor Fung Ming Cantonese Opera Troupe, and the City Contemporary Dance Company, performed at SRRSH. Ms. Ribble Chung , arts administrator and manager of SRRSH, said, ‘SRRSH has nurtured many local theatre professionals, in particular, those in drama.’ As time went on, however, the role of SRRSH as a venue provider diminished in importance. ‘We have shifted our focus to arts education in recent years. Teaching does not take place only in the classroom. Arts education helps to open students’ eyes and broaden their vision,’ said Ms. Chung. ‘We strive to make our programmes interactive. For instance, film directors and critics are invited to Sir Run Run Shaw Hall