Wednesday, January 28, 2009

OMA presents Theater Design Taipei, Taiwan

Amphitheater, arena, black box, in the round, proscenium; there are as many different theatre structures as there are styles of theatre art. The Office of Metropolitan Architecture, world wide known for multi functional auditoriums has presented yet a new approach with the proposed stage design for the Taipei Performing Arts Centre

The cube shaped building is to hold three performance spaces (1500, 800, and 800 seats) which may be used in combination, as well as individually. Such flexibility will allow (local) theater companies to create more experimental spectacles. And this innovative theatre complex may also become an interesting venue for foreign, space demanding companies such as Cirque du Soleil. 

The routing of the public through the Performing Arts Centre will allow patrons a look into the back stage areas. This "peek into the kitchen" is reminiscent of what the great visionary/director Ariane Mnouchkine has offered the public for many decades with her Theatre du Soleil.