我於1990年第一次來到香港這塊土地時，見到傳統節日時為戲曲豎立的竹棚，被其美麗及智慧深深吸引，敬畏油然而生。同樣奇妙的是它們在短短幾日間就能被建成及拆卸；其物料可以循環再用；竹棚師傅設計並將之建造；由社群質助及籌措資金。
竹戲棚是香港獨特建築。它們是活生生的本地結構，不是由建築師建造，而是由本地社群、樂師及工匠共同協作而建成的。透過結合傳統與現代，竹棚彰顯了香港文化的複雜性及豐富底蘊。
When I first came to Hong Kong in 1990, I was awe-struck by the beauty and ingenuity of the bamboo theatres that are erected as temporary structures to house ritual operas on traditional holidays. Equally amazing was that they were erected and removed in days; that the materials were recycled; that bamboo masters designed and constructed them; and that they were sponsored and financed by the communities.
The bamboo theatres are unique to Hong Kong. They are living vernacular structures created without architects by the collaboration of local communities, musicians and craftsmen. They exemplify the complexity and richness of Hong Kong culture through their melding of the traditional with the modern.
