I recently attended a captivating Cantonese opera performance at the historic Grand Star Theater in San Francisco in San Francisco. With tickets sold out well in advance, I was fortunate to secure last-minute passes through a valuable contact at Sing Tao Daily. This time, I was delighted to share the experience with a close friend.
For additional context on the rich tradition of Chinese opera in this vibrant city, please refer to my earlier post on Chinese Opera in San Francisco, which delves into its history, media representations, and related cultural insights.
I think this opera was more so a collection of various songs.
The atmosphere was both warm and engaging, as audience members eagerly shared in the cultural celebration. Many aunties asked to take photos with me. I was particularly touched by the cordiality of a lady dressed in an exquisite purple sparkly outfit, asking to take a photo with me. Our exchange of contact details via WeChat (me, hoping to keep up-to-date with Chinese Opera and other such events) not only underscored the event’s communal spirit but also reflected the enduring connections fostered by these cultural gatherings.
Interestingly, like last time, I noticed the sound amplification for the performance was quite loud. The orchestra was in the first row of seats. Yet, what was perhaps just as loud was all of the aunties chatting, taking phone calls, things of that nature. I thought it was interesting between those two performances I’ve attended that this was actually the culture and I absolutely love it.
My friend and I went to my favorite Chinese place in the area, R&G Lounge, which is fantastic Cantonese food. They also had a wonderful peach cocktail–we made sure to go bottoms-up and say 干杯 (dry cup) as we polished them off.
Overall it was a very classy evening. I wish more people knew about this.
After sharing my previous experiences on Xiaohongshu, I received some thoughtful feedback regarding my hanfu styling. While the response was largely positive, a few noted that my approach to securing the collar could be refined. I must admit that my attempt to wear a Ming Dynasty-style hanfu was a bit too tight this time, but I look forward to perfecting my presentation in future outings.
Attending the performance with my friend (above).
I even showed up in the newspaper for my outfit!
About the theater
Originally built during a transformative period for Chinatown, the Grand Star Theater was more than just a venue for films—it was a community hub. In an era when mainstream American cinemas often excluded non-English content, this theater provided a space for Chinese-language films, live performances, and community events, playing a vital role in preserving and promoting Chinese culture and language.
The building is a testament to the era’s eclectic design, blending Eastern aesthetics with Western architectural trends. Its distinctive façade and interior details not only exemplify early 20th-century entertainment architecture but also serve as a physical reminder of Chinatown’s historical narrative. Over time, the theater has experienced periods of decline and rejuvenation, reflecting both the challenges and triumphs of cultural preservation. Today, it stands as a living emblem of community identity and resilience—a bridge connecting the past with the present.
Bonus
Upcoming event: March 29 & 30, 2025, 1pm: Tan Yuguan Opera Festival
Maybe you’ll see me here in my modern hanfu!
- Yul Brynner Theater, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 700 Howard Street (at 3rd Street), San Francisco
- For tickets contact Ms. Zeng: 415-509-8828
- Ticket prices: $138, $88, $48
Easier ways to keep tabs on upcoming performances
Some other good ways to keep tabs, via Instagram, on Chinese Opera and cultural events in San Francisco:
- Mahjong Club–I’m hoping to partake in Mahjong soon!
- @sf_chinatown
- @bestofsfchinatown
- @norcal_hanfu – I found out about them on Xiao Hong Shu (小红书), and I was invited to participate in the hanfu parade!
- @sfcma
Sing Tao Daily seems to organize many of these events, they have an office in Chinatown (Sing Tao Visitor Center, 625 kearny Street, San Francisco) where you can buy tickets and check out upcoming events.