Taroko to Build Taiwan’s First International Tourism Theater

The creative concept and physical model of the Taroko International Tourism Theater were unveiled for the first time in Taipei on the 27th. Hualien County Magistrate Fu Kun-chi stated that although Taiwan has many scenic spots, the one with true international competitiveness is none other than Hualien’s Taroko, which attracts over six million visitors annually and is a favorite among foreign tourists. Therefore, he specially invited director Stan Lai and architect Kris Yao to leverage their expertise in theatrical performance and architectural design, respectively, to create the nation’s first international tourism theater.

Director Stan Lai said that current tourism themes in Taiwan mostly focus on natural landscapes and shopping/dining experiences, but fall short in cultural tourism. In the future, performances at the Taroko Theater will feature daily fixed-stage shows, not limited to traditional indigenous myths or song and dance forms. Instead, they will evolve with the times, blending artistry and entertainment, adopting a format similar to Broadway musicals. The storyline will revolve around the journey of an indigenous youth who perseveres and eventually becomes a pop star. Each performance will last about sixty minutes, with approximately thirty to fifty actors. The plan is to hold one show per evening, with additional performances possible during peak seasons. Indigenous people possess outstanding musical and dance talents, so future performers will be recruited and trained locally in Hualien. This approach will not only provide local job opportunities but also inject innovative energy into indigenous performing culture, further connecting it with the global stage.

Architect Kris Yao, responsible for designing the hardware of the Taroko Theater, said that the theater is situated against mountains and facing the sea. By incorporating “landform-based architecture,” it combines the breathtaking views of the canyon and the ocean. The architectural concept originates from a circular “ripple,” echoing both the waterfront landscape at the mouth of the Liwu River and resonating with the dance of the indigenous Harvest Festival. The performance area of the theater consists of circular, mound-like structures, interconnected by an artificial river. The most unique feature is its world-first dual-stage and rotating audience seating design. The interior will have two main stages, with the wall behind them capable of fully opening depending on the performance requirements. There will be 800 seats, and the audience section can rotate 180 degrees.