New Chiayi Playhouse / Ruan Theater Group

New Chiayi Playhouse (Sinkagitso): A cultural hub and creative incubator in Chiayi. Located on the second floor of Building K in the Chiayi Cultural and Creative Industries Park, New Chiayi Playhouse is a century-old building that was formerly a sorghum wine koji manufacturing room and part of the old Chiayi Distillery. In 2018, Ruan Theater Group transformed it into a multi-functional venue for performances and screenings, giving new life to the old building. It also adopted the name 'Chiayi Playhouse' — Chiayi's first theater, established in 1909, which served as an important cultural exchange space in the area. New Chiayi Playhouse is committed to becoming a community cultural platform, not merely a performance venue, but also a cultural base that connects with local communities and fosters creativity. Its compact size offers a unique 'intimacy,' making it particularly suitable for gatherings, performances, and workshops for 30 to 80 people, emphasizing close interaction between performers and audiences. In terms of its operational philosophy, New Chiayi Playhouse centers on 'community,' developing four main areas: 'performances and exhibitions,' 'lectures and salons,' 'courses,' and 'youth community base.' It also sets four goals: strengthening local connections, establishing an art base, fostering local talent, and expanding the arts-engaged population. Through diverse activities, it aims to integrate art into daily life, making it a part of residents' lives. In terms of content planning, New Chiayi Playhouse emphasizes 'localized art.' Regarding its 'content,' it integrates Chiayi's history, humanities, and life experiences to resonate emotionally with the audience. In terms of 'participants,' it encourages creators from Southern Taiwan or those with a Chiayi background to get involved and become cultural advocates. Additionally, New Chiayi Playhouse promotes Taiwanese-language drama, solo performances, multi-age drama education, international exchanges, and cross-disciplinary creation, ensuring that artistic activities cover various age groups and diverse forms. It is not only a performance venue but also a collaborative learning platform that inspires community participation and fosters cultural awareness and creativity. In summary, rooted in its historic setting, New Chiayi Playhouse combines cultural depth with creative energy. As a small-scale exhibition and performance space, it is gradually developing into a significant cultural hub in Chiayi City and an art incubation center in Southern Taiwan.