National Taichung Theater gears up for grand opening

2014-11-12

National Taichung Theater’s Nov. 23 inauguration is set for celebration with a diverse array of headline events, according to Taichung City Government.

Featuring concerts, dance shows, laser displays and theater performances, the inauguration culminates with the premiere of “Cat Man,” a special production by Taiwan opera company Ming Hwa Yuan Arts and Cultural Group.

Susan Yeh, director-general of TCG’s Cultural Affairs Bureau, said Nov. 10 that the events organized by the city government are greatly anticipated. “Over 20,000 visitors have participated in art-related activities around the theater, with more than 5,000 having entered the structure to experience its aesthetics.”

According to Yeh, performance groups will stage free concerts at the NTT’s outdoor square starting Nov. 14, including a National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra extravaganza Nov. 23.

Inside the theater, Paper Windmill Theatre will follow Ming Hwa Yuan with a two-day performance of “Don Quixote” Nov. 27-28, she said. “More acts are set for December, featuring such acclaimed artists as violin maestro Hu Nai-yuan, Taiwan Connection Chamber Orchestra and Ju Percussion Group.”

Designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate Toyo Ito, the theater is the first in the world to comprise an entirely beamless design with irregular curved walls. It boasts a 2,014-seat grand theater, an 800-seat theater and 200-seat black box.

NTT is central Taiwan’s first national-level performing arts venue. Together with National Theater and Concert Hall in Taipei City, as well as Wei-Wu-Ying Center for the Arts in Kaohsiung City, the facility is expected to help usher in a new era for Taiwan’s cultural scene.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=223883&CtNode=413)