By MOOK Scenic Spots Family / Compiled Report
The "Pure 'Water'" performance marked the beginning of the theater’s artistic journey, symbolizing the curtain-raising of its art and cultural programs. (Image source / National Taichung Theater)
Dancers formed a “(heart)NTT” formation to celebrate the full opening of the theater. (Image source / National Taichung Theater)
Architect Toyo Ito, who spent ten years turning the theater from a paper dream into a physical structure, traveled specially from Japan to Taiwan to personally unveil the "Toyo Ito's Theater Dream" conceptual architecture exhibition at the beautifully curved Wall-Wall Hall on the fifth floor. The exhibition, centered around imagery and sound, featured eight projectors casting visuals onto the floors, walls, and ceilings, while the music was compiled from ambient sounds collected around Taichung. Large beanbags placed on the floor allowed visitors to sit or lie freely, breaking conventional exhibition-viewing norms with a refreshed concept, aiming to let audiences experience a truly “otherworldly space they’ve never encountered before.”
Toyo Ito arrived in Taiwan on the opening day of the National Taichung Theater and made an appearance at the "Toyo Ito's Theater Dream" exhibition. (Image source / National Taichung Theater)
Compared to major theaters in Europe and America, Singapore’s Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, and Taiwan’s National Theater and Concert Hall — which have trial operation periods of three to six months, three months, and six months respectively — the National Taichung Theater had just one month to conduct stress tests and adjustments on its exhibition equipment and software operations, as well as assess the compatibility of its architectural hardware and software. While the operational team worked cautiously, they were also excited to rise to the challenge of a one-month trial run, building upon the foundation of Taiwan’s professional theater scene.
During the trial operation period, seven performances were presented, along with 10 events in the lobby and outdoors, plus the "Toyo Ito's Theater Dream" conceptual architecture exhibition. Some performances and exhibitions required online reservations, so visitors are advised to check booking details in advance.