The iconic cinema at Siam Square is open again
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Read the following story by Tatat Bunnag from the Bangkok Post. Then, answer the questions that follow.
When the Lido Theatre announced it was closing in May 2018, a thousand fans gathered to say goodbye. With over 50 years in operation as a classic stand-alone cinema, it was known not only for movies but also for shopping and sweet treats.
NEW LIFE
“Back when I was in high school and university, I visited Lido all the time for my favourite dessert shop Kluay Kluay, which served banana dishes,” said Wanwisa, 32, an art school teacher. “I also loved its quiet and peaceful atmosphere. I always went there when I wanted to spend some time alone.”
The final screenings at the Lido throughout May last year were fully-booked. Today the theatre, which dates to the 1960s, has a new life. Following its grand opening on August 1, the Lido is now known as Lido Connect, the newly-revamped art and cultural hub for people of Bangkok.
A project by the Property Management of Chulalongkorn University (PMCU), which owns the land at Siam Square, the development of Lido Connect is not without controversy. While many were mourning the loss of their favourite movie house, some also thought that this was just a profitable marketing plan to clear the space for another shopping centre.
The worry now has been addressed as PMCU has found LOVEiS Entertainment as their new ally. The pop music label has created Lido Connect, in which LOVEiS holds a 70% share. Lido Connect is expected to be a new popular hangout among all the cool kids and those creative minds in Bangkok.
“As the name suggests, we hope that Lido Connect will be a 'co-cultural' space, a place that connects artists and people who love art,” said Thep-ard Kawin-anan, CEO of LOVEiS Entertainment. “Apart from a movie theatre, [Lido Connect] will be a multi-functional space that brings together arts, culture, live music performances, theatrical plays, art exhibitions, fashion showcases and new-generation lifestyles — all in one place.”
ORIGINAL TREASURE
The Lido Connect project aims at creating opportunities for those talented artists, poets, musicians, filmmakers, photographers, fashion designers and more to be able to exhibit or perform their talents and pay an affordable price.
Under the theme "Back to Original", Thep-ard said that the renovation of Lido has been done with respect towards the original cinema with some changes to the interior parts to suit the new functions and purposes.
"After a year of discussion and planning, everybody agrees that the Lido has its unique charm and history. We intended to keep this treasure, and find a way to let the new generations learn what the place was like in the 70s, 80s, and 90s — how teens in those days cherished the place as much as other spots in Siam Square,” he said.
With a total space of 4,000sqm, Lido Connect consists of a three-storey building. The ground level is divided into a multi-use outdoor space for all kinds of art performances. On the inside, there are cafes, restaurants, shops and clothing stores. The new Flex 102.5 radio station will also be located on the same floor.
A cinema, and two other halls are located on the second floor. One of them is a theatre-in-the-round called "Black Box" with a design inspired by the original old-school theatre built to accommodate activities such as plays, movie screenings, or seminars. The third floor is where offices are located. All of which was designed to keep a classic "Lido" look with neon lights being featured throughout the space to create a true retro 70s and 80s vibe.
ART SPACE
Artists and organisers from different areas are already eyeing the space for use. One of them is a well-known indie concert promoter Have You Heard? who have already booked the live house at Lido Connect for an upcoming show by American folk singer-songwriter Julie Byrne on Aug 16.
Pimporn Metchanun, co-founder of Have You Heard?, said that she’s glad to see the return of an iconic cinema, especially to learn that it has finally been renovated.
Section 1: Read through the story and answer the following questions.
1. How long did Lido operate as a cinema? …………….
2. When did Lido Connect open? …………….
3. Lido Connect does not have a cinema. True or false? …………….
4. The Lido renovation didn’t change the inside of the Lido. True or false? …………….
5. How many floors does Lido Connect have? …………….
6. Which floor is the Flex 102.5 studio on? …………….
7. Which floor has movie screenings? …………….
8. Who will perform at Lido Connect on August 16? …………….
Section 2: Write the noun form of the following words.
9. gathered .…..…10. created ……..…11. expected …….…12. divided .……13. accommodate .…………
Section 3: Read the following passage. Then, fill in the blanks with the correct words from the choices given.
Pimporn said the old Lido building was no longer in a …14… condition for visitors. Thep-ard also said the …15… thing as he recalls his relationship with the old Lido when he was younger.
“…16… going to see a movie or shopping, I remember that parts of the building were quite dark and …17… dilapidated,” he said. “Now that I’m …18… up with a child of my own, I make sure that our kids will have a nice space to hang out that is safe and …19… .”
14. a. safe b. safety c. safer
15. a. similar b. same c. different
16. a. Besides b. Also c. Including
17. a. sometimes b. somewhere c. somewhat
18. a. grow b. grown c. grew
19. a. secured b. secure c. security
Section 4: Find words that match the following definitions.
20. discussion and argument about something that many people disagree about ……………
21. an organisation that supports another organisation ……………
22. the power of pleasing or attracting people ……………
23. loved very much …………
24. a mood or an atmosphere ……………
Answers: 1. Over 50 years. 2. August 1. 3. False. 4. False. 5. Three. 6. Ground floor. 7. Second floor. 8. Julie Byrne. 9. gathering. 10. creation. 11. expectation. 12. divide/division. 13. accommodation. 14. a. 15. b. 16. a. 17. c. 18. b. 19. b. 20. controversy. 21. ally. 22. charm. 23. cherished. 24. vibe.
SCORE
21-24: Excellent! 17-20: Good. 13-16: Fair. 12 or fewer: You'll do better next time!
