Curtain drops on construction of new theater in Yixing

A stone laying ceremony is held for the construction of a new theater in Yixing, Jiangsu province on Oct 18. [Photo/ chinanews.com]

Construction began on Yixing's new $15-million theater on Oct 19 after a stone laying ceremony was held the previous day, its doors set to open in August 2018.

Famous crosstalk comedian Jiang Kun has invested in the project which will feature examples of the artist's work as well as provide training for keen and up-and-coming performers.

The three-story theater will have a capacity of 800 seats as well as reception hall, dressing rooms for performers, exhibition spaces and storage spaces, and a training center.

A particular feature of the building will be the theater's roof space, which will be designed as an outdoor amphitheater accommodating 230 people with a huge LED screen able to be used as a digital backdrop.

Shen Xiaohong, head of Yixing's publicity department, said that the city will give the project full support to promote its completion as soon as possible. The theater is expected to become a new highlight of Yixing's tourism industry.