“Shanghai’s Broadway,” they called it. The name echoes New York’s famed theater district. Today we stand before the former site of the \u767e\u8001\u6c47\u5927\u620f\u9662\u65e7\u5740. It’s a place steeped in history and culture.
Let’s journey back to the early 20th century. The \u767e\u8001\u6c47\u5927\u620f\u9662\u65e7\u5740 emerged in the 1930s. Shanghai was then a vibrant international hub. Chen Baizhao, a tobacco merchant, built it. He already owned the Odeon Theatre. In 1930, he expanded his theatrical ventures. The \u767e\u8001\u6c47\u5927\u620f\u9662\u65e7\u5740 was his next project. It stood on Huoshan Road. This location was near the “Eastern Broadway,” now known as Daming Road.
The original Broadway in New York was booming. It was more than just a street. It symbolized American culture and entertainment. Old Shanghai mirrored this with its own “Broadway”. The \u767e\u8001\u6c47\u5927\u620f\u9662\u65e7\u5740 quickly became a cultural landmark.
During the mid-1930s, the theater evolved. It became a gathering place for Jewish refugees. They had fled persecution in Europe. The theater was in the heart of their residential area. Its rooftop garden became a haven. It was named Roy’s Roof Garden or McSкау’s Roof Garden. Jewish artists performed concerts there. During holidays, people dressed up. They enjoyed music and coffee. They sought respite from their harsh realities. The \u767e\u8001\u6c47\u5927\u620f\u9662\u65e7\u5740 offered a temporary escape. It allowed them to forget their hardships under Shanghai’s humid night sky.
In 1932, Chen Baizhao’s Odeon Theatre was destroyed. It was a casualty of the淞沪 War. Fortunately, the \u767e\u8001\u6c47\u5927\u620f\u9662\u65e7\u5740 remained. It was safe within the Shanghai International Settlement.
After 1949, the theater’s name changed. It became the Dongshan Cinema. The name “Broadway” faded from use. In 1956, the Qin Yi Shanghai Opera Troupe moved in. Later, the theater was renamed “Red Art.” However, the theater struggled to stay afloat. It closed until 1980. In 1981, it reopened as the Dongshan Theater. It showed movies and plays. By 1987, it had transformed. It became a two-story complex. The upper floor housed a dance hall and coffee shop. The ground floor featured a video hall. The glorious days of “Roy’s Roof Garden” were not revived. People still sought leisure. They wanted a place to relax and enjoy life.
Later, the name \u767e\u8001\u6c47 returned. However, the area became a mix of businesses. Hotels, bars, dance halls, and supermarkets occupied the space. The “Oriental Broadway” sign remained. Yet, its connection to the original theater was tenuous.
Today, the \u767e\u8001\u6c47\u5927\u620f\u9662\u65e7\u5740 stands as a reminder of Shanghai’s past. It evokes a sense of nostalgia. It reminds us of a time when cultures converged. It echoes the stories of those who sought refuge and entertainment within its walls. The building has seen better days. It bears the marks of many renovations. Despite its state, it remains a point of interest. Its history is palpable. It is a testament to Shanghai’s ever-evolving identity. As we leave, consider the layers of history. Remember the echoes of jazz music and the laughter of those who found solace here.