Beijing theatres get subsidy to attract audience

Beijing, April 30 (IANS) Beijing's municipal administration has decided to subsidize large and medium-sized theatres, encouraging them to offer more low-price tickets to audiences.

From Monday till December, 15 theatres with capacities from 500 to 3,000 seats will get subsidy every month for performances such as Chinese operas, dramas, dance operas, musical plays, concerts and dances, according to a circular released by the city's cultural department.

Pop concerts are not among them, reported Xinhua.

The number of subsidized performances will not exceed 25 for every theatre each year.

With the subsidy, the theatres are expected to attract more audience to enjoy traditional and elegant arts, an official said Sunday.