A new home for traditional performance arts
After the project started more than four years ago, the Xiqu Center of Taiwan now stands proudly in Taipei's Shilin District, ready to introduce visitors to the latest developments in Taiwan's traditional performance arts.
Inspired by the "one table and two chairs” setting in Peking opera, the facility's name refers to the traditional performance genre of Chinese drama and musical theater. The center consists of two separate buildings (two chairs) for performance and office space, and a space (one table) that is constructed to connect the two buildings for audiences and performers to interact.
Designed by Taiwanese architect Kris Yao, who consulted with the GuoGuang Opera Company and prominent Peking opera actress Gu Cheng-chiu (顧正秋) to understand key elements of their traditional performance art, the 1.76-hectare center is a new cultural landmark accessible by the Taipei Metro's Zhishan Station on the Tamsui (Red) Line.
Architect Kris Yao
In an illustrious career spanning over three decades, leading Taiwanese architect Kris Yao (姚仁喜) has completed architectural projects for a wide variety of objectives with his firm Kris Yao Artect. A keen museum-goer since his youth, Yao is especially passionate about cultural and art-related projects … (read more)
Opera Actress Gu Zheng-qiu
As the bearer of the title "Master of Ching I (female lead roles),” Gu Zheng-qiu (顧正秋) was a renowned Peking opera actress based in Taiwan. She played a key role in introducing Peking opera into Taiwan's performance arts scene and the development of Taiwan's own Peking opera talents … (read more)
Xiqu Center of Taiwan
The Xiqu Center of Taiwan is the first venue established in Taiwan for traditional Chinese performance arts. The objective of the center is to preserve such cultural heritage, incorporate contemporary theater ideas, and foster related professionals in the field to develop Taiwan's traditional performance arts … (read more)