Steep ticket prices turn locals away from theater

Historic opera house Tianleyuan, located in Dongcheng district's Xianyukou Hutong, was enjoyed by Beijing residents for almost two centuries before it closed in 1986. Over its illustrious history, the theater hosted performances by some of the most famous Peking opera artists, such as Mei Lanfang (1894-1961) and Cheng Yanqiu (1904-58).

Since reopening on August 18, Tianleyuan has aroused discussion among local fans about the first show's new (and very modern) admission price for Peking opera performances of 1,785 yuan ($282.39).

A security guard surnamed Zhao working in the hutong told Metro Beijing that the theater had been crowded on its opening day, but rarely patronized since.

"It's a price for wealthy businessmen, tourists or foreigners, not for us ordinary folk," said Sun, a local resident aged in his 50s. "In the 1970s, I often went there to enjoy Peking or Pingju operas. It was really interesting and each show cost less than 0.5 yuan."

Asked whether he planned to revisit the theater to revive his nostalgic memories, Sun was adamant his days as an opera fan at the venue were over. "Forget it! Who pays a month's salary to see just one show? Not me," he huffed.

Li Yanhui, the theater's public relations manager, claimed that the price was 1,785 yuan in homage to the year 1785, when the theater was built. Current ticket prices are only being trialed, Li added, hinting the official price listings for shows would be released next month after "internal adjustment."

With its luxurious and majestic surrounds, the theater's 179 seats and three VIP rooms will "provide entertainment to high-end consumers," Li said.

About 300 meters from Tianleyuan, Guangleyuan, another old opera house in the Qianmen area, is under construction ahead of its grand reopening later this year.

Sun, however, is pessimistic about his chances of ever seeing a show there. "As so much time and effort has been made to renovate it, I bet Guangleyuan will be another overpriced theater," he predicted.