Wanjhiao Theater Introduction
The Wanshian Theater has been located in the Wanhua District of Taipei since 2009, focusing on "innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability." Through self-organized programs and professional curation, it opens its venue for performing arts teams to rent. The theater aims to cultivate local audiences in Wanhua and promote performing arts in collaboration with schools and social groups. It connects domestic and international networks through resources such as theater creations, performance spaces, the Monga International Dance Festival, and the Wanshian Theater Art Residency Program, enriching the diverse ecosystem of performing arts. 1. The restoration and reuse of historical sites combined with community culture: The Wanshian Theater is located in the "Taiwan Sugar Corporation Taipei Warehouse B," originally a sugar warehouse from the Japanese colonial era, which has witnessed the development of the local sugar industry over time. Designated as a municipal historic site by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Taipei City in 2003, it was preserved and established as the "Sugar Warehouse Cultural Park." In 2025, it was renamed "Taipei Sugar Refinery." The original cultural and historical values are preserved while transforming it into a traditional arts incubation base. The theater was established through the opportunity provided by Taipei City's "Old House Cultural Movement Plan," turning it into a professional theater integrating artistic creation, performances, and training. This not only protects the cultural value of the historic building but also deeply integrates artistic activities with historical sites, becoming part of local cultural memory. 2. Diverse venue operation models: After the restoration of the historic site, the Wanshian Theater underwent a three-year space transformation and officially opened in 2022, becoming Taiwan's first "symbiotic" drama troupe with a theater. The venue has an artistic director who plans curatorial themes for annual arts promotion, such as the Monga International Dance Festival and Wanshian Focus Series. It also provides professional rehearsal and performance space for performing arts teams, attracting more performing arts groups to bring outstanding works to Wanhua. Upholding the philosophy of open collaboration, it not only organizes its own performances and curation but also offers the space for other troupes or art organizations to use. 3. Cultural practice and community interaction: Since its establishment in Wanhua, the Wanshian Theater has actively integrated into the local community, using it as a source of inspiration for creation and engaging in various social care and cultural practices. The theater has taken "homeless individuals" and "sex workers" as themes for creation, challenging social stereotypes and using these subjects as a basis for dramatic creation. Furthermore, the theater offers community drama classes and has launched the "Otter Project" series of works. It collaborates with the Nanhai Development Center to conduct drama courses for people with disabilities and works with the nearby Dali Elementary School to develop drama performances. Students also participate in the annual local celebration "Sugar Cane Festival," collectively recalling the local sugar industry history. Through participation in the performing arts, it promotes the development of artistic culture in the community, enhancing the cultural visibility of Wanhua and revitalizing this traditional old area in modern society.
Wangzhao Theater 3
Wanze X Theater 4
