Dadaocheng Theater Introduction
Dadongcheng Theatre is located on the 8th and 9th floors of Yongle Market. Before 1908, it was originally a garden, which was transformed into a market during the Japanese colonial period. Once a hub for nearly a thousand fabric shops, it became the largest textile center in Taiwan, and Dadongcheng is known as the cradle of traditional performing arts, referred to as the "theatre cave." The purpose of Dadongcheng Theatre is to perform, promote, and preserve traditional performing arts. The 9th-floor theater hosts various traditional performances such as Taiwanese opera, Peking opera, Nanguan, Beiguan, Hakka opera, and storytelling, while the 8th-floor performance area regularly schedules puppet shows, Nanguan, and storytelling programs. The first-floor plaza arranges cultural and artistic activities called "Play in Theatre." The theatre offers cultural and artistic workshops each spring and autumn on traditional performing arts, tea art, textile art, and also provides free cultural lectures and screenings of performing arts films. The 8th-floor corridor exhibition area is planned for a permanent exhibition of puppetry as well as occasional special exhibitions, and guided tours can be reserved for groups of ten or more. Various rehearsal rooms and a multifunctional presentation room are also available for arts and cultural groups to rent. Additionally, there are plans for promoting traditional performances in schools, art education programs, and training and performances for a youth Taiwanese opera troupe, aiming to systematically inherit traditional performing arts and nurture young talents.
