Rolex support the arts through WestK Performing Arts partnership

It's important for the performing arts to be on time. The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) shared that Rolex has partnered with West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK) to elevate the arts. David Ho looks at what's in store

Starting in June 2025, Rolex will support WestK's plethora of performing arts initiatives across disciplines including dance, music, theatre and Chinese opera (xiqu). Rolex will also be the Exclusive Timepiece for the WestK Performing Arts

Through this collaboration, Rolex and WestK aim to nurture emerging talent, facilitate artistic exchanges, and contribute to the advancement of global cultural heritage that further establish WestK as an artistic hub.

Jat Sew-tong, the chairman of the performing arts committee at WKCDA, believes "this partnership will help WestK realise its mission to establish Hong Kong as a global hub for cultural exchange and creative innovation."

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Paul Tam, the executive director of performing arts at WKCDA, added, “Much like the rhythmic precision of a Rolex timepiece, WestK Performing Arts is committed to a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. Through this partnership, we will further enrich our cultural offerings, inspire boundary-breaking collaborations, nurture a vibrant performing arts ecosystem in Hong Kong and enable local creations to flourish and resonate internationally.”

Luckily, one would not need to wait long to see the results of this partnership. The latest season of the Tea House Theatre Experience will kick off this July. Presented by WestK’s very own Tea House Rising Stars Troupe and curated and directed by legendary Cantonese opera artist Law Ka-ying, the programme brings Cantonese opera (xiqu) to life in an intimate, culturally immersive setting.

The upcoming season includes two popular excerpts by renowned librettist Tong Tik-sang – “Reunion at the Nunnery” from Princess Cheung Ping and “Reunion of Sword and Hairpin” from The Story of the Purple Hairpin – as well as the martial arts piece Fan Lihua Battles Wang Yinglong, introducing audiences to the world of Cantonese opera, the local form of xiqu.

Audiences can look forward to a 90-minute performance featuring a mix of songs, narrations, and scenes accompanied by the tasting of traditional tea and dim sum, recreating the charm of classic tea house culture. These performances invite audiences to connect with the rich heritage of Cantonese opera while supporting the preservation of this traditional Chinese performing art.

“Rolex celebrates human achievement and creativity, values deeply aligned with the performing arts,” says Maxim Lamarre, the CEO of Rolex Greater China. "Together with WestK, we look forward to fostering artistic innovation and heritage, contributing to Hong Kong’s prominence as a global cultural landmark."

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