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It was proposed in 2023 for the first time in Beijing's Report on the Work of the Government to "make Beijing a city of performing arts". If the large Theaters are compared to the artery of culture, then those experimental ones are just like the capillaries of culture. An increasing number of small but exquisite and beautiful experimental Theaters have flourished in the city's labyrinthine hutongs, including Star Theater, 77 Theater, Nanyang 5Lmeet, Dahua City Center for the Performing Arts, and Drum Tower West Theater, among others.

Good plays are constantly on show at the experimental theaters in hutongs

In Nanyang Hutong, an inconspicuously small north-south alley on the west side of Dongsi North Street that connects Yuqun and Shijin Huayuan hutongs, there is a hidden cultural and creative space integrating a Theater, a rehearsal hall, and a café, which is known as Nanyang 5Lmeet, where an evening improv comedy show takes the stage on every Friday.

The experimental Theaters in hutongs, such as 77 Theater, Star Theater and Drum Tower West Theater, have made theatrical dreams come true through many great plays that go on stage one after another every day.

Theaters based on idle and vacated spaces

In recent years, by making use of the idle houses in the old areas and transforming old factories that have been relocated, in both Dongcheng and Xicheng districts, creative enterprises that occupy little spaces, high added value, and good growth potential have been introduced, which has improved the urban qualities of the old areas and enriched the cultural life of the residents.

Dahua Cinema in the northeast corner of Dongdan conjures up the childhood memories of native Beijingers. In August 2008, Dahua Cinema was temporarily closed for comprehensive renovation. In July 2020, the team of Yi Liming, a renowned stage designer and director, took the cinema over and transformed it into Dahua City Center for the Performing Arts, creating six performance spaces, including an opera hall, a theater, a circular theater, an experimental theater, a sky theater, and a music hall.

The building at No. 77 Meishuguan Back Street was once the former workshop of Beijing Offset Printing Factory. In 2013, it was transformed into 77 Cultural and Creative Park, a creative factory featuring the theater, and film and television industries in a hutong.

The performances at the theaters hidden in the hutongs and residential areas do not disturb the neighbors. The seating arrangement and acoustic effects of these theaters have undergone multiple trials to ensure that they do not have any negative impact on the surrounding environment.

From experimental theaters to midnight diners

Outside the theaters, Japanese izakaya-style bars in hutongs are the favorite dining choices for young people. "Currently, the socializing habits of young people have undergone significant changes. It's no longer just about having a meal or a drink. They need mediums to quickly build relationships, such as stand-up comedy, improv comedy, and escape rooms, which are just the rudimentary choices of socializing for young people." Zhao Yuqing, Director of Nanyang 5Lmeet, believes that, in some sense, the theater business has a certain degree of continuity and sustainability.

Indeed, cultural consumption in hutongs is quietly flourishing, starting from theaters and extending to late-night eateries.

(Source: Beijing Daily)