Contesting space : Hong Kong street performance and its development

Abstract

This research paper examines the perceptions of local street performers towards street performance and their use of space, their tactics against the challenges posed by the government to sustain their performances, alongside with their viewpoints on proposed government regulations in Hong Kong. In view of the sudden abolition of the Sai Yeung Choi Street South pedestrian precinct in Mong Kok in August 2018, the paper also examines the change of street performance ecology, which includes the practices and interactions of street performers and their chosen locations for performance, before and after the closure of such street performance hotspot. A total of six locations, including the area near the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier, Central piers, Sai Yeung Choi Street South pedestrian precinct in Mong Kok, West Kowloon Cultural District (venue of ‘Street Performance Scheme’), Sha Tin Town Hall (venue of ‘Open Stage Scheme’) and Causeway Bay, were selected for the in-depth study of the local street performance situation. Further site-visits in Tsim Sha Tsui and Central were conducted since these two places were most affected by the abolition of the pedestrian precinct in Mong Kok. 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted with the street performers who had over one year local street performance experience. The interviews and study of government policies revealed that there are always conflicts between the street performers and other stakeholders including shopkeepers nearby, residents of the neighborhood, law enforcement agencies over the use of space and the acceptance of noise level due to the lack of government support or clear regulation on street performance. Despite the consensus on the necessity of government regulation, there is no agreement among street performers on how street performance should be regulated. In addition, the abolition of the Sai Yeung Choi Street South pedestrian precinct in Mong Kok led to a dynamic change of street performance ecology in Tsim Sha Tsui and Central with displacement effect observed despite government promoted street performance and the Open Stage Scheme in West Kowloon Cultural District and Sha Tin Town Hall areas. The research findings revealed a need for government to take lead in consolidating the street performers’ viewpoints on government regulation and implementing appropriate government policies so as to fulfill the needs of different stakeholders and balance their interests for a healthy development of street performance in Hong Kong.