Dadaocheng Theater Introduction
Dadaocheng Theater is located on the 8th and 9th floors of the Yongle Market. Originally a garden before 1908, it was transformed into a market during the Japanese colonial period, gathering nearly a thousand fabric shops, making it the largest fabric center in Taiwan. Dadaocheng is also known as the cradle of traditional theater, often referred to as the "theater cave." The purpose of Dadaocheng Theater is to perform, promote, and preserve traditional theater. The theater on the 9th floor hosts various traditional performances such as Taiwan opera, Peking opera, Nanguan, Beiguan, Hakka opera, and storytelling, while the performance area on the 8th floor regularly schedules puppet shows, Nanguan, and storytelling programs. The plaza on the 1st floor holds cultural activities under the theme "Playing in Theater." The theater offers cultural and artistic workshops in the spring and autumn seasons, covering courses in theater, tea art, and fabric arts, as well as free cultural lectures and film screenings of traditional theater. The display area on the 8th floor features a permanent exhibition of puppetry and temporary special exhibitions. Guided tours can be reserved for groups of ten or more. Various rehearsal rooms and multifunctional briefing rooms are also available for cultural groups to rent. Additionally, plans are in place for promoting theater performances in schools, educational programs for arts, and training and performances for a youth Taiwan opera troupe, aiming to pass on traditional theater and cultivate young talent.
