Wan Zuo Dawn Theater

Since its establishment in Wanhua District, Taipei City in 2009, Wan Zuo Dawn Theater has focused on three core areas: "innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability." It achieves this by organizing its own programs, professional curatorial projects, and also making its venue available for rental by performing arts groups. Based in Wanhua, it cultivates local audiences and collaborates with schools and social organizations to promote performing arts. Furthermore, through resources such as Dawn Theater's productions, its theater space, the Bangka International Dance Festival, and the Dawn Theater Artist-in-Residence Program, it connects with domestic and international network platforms, enriching the diverse ecosystem of performing arts. 1. Integration of Historic Site Restoration and Community Culture The "Taisugar Taipei Warehouse Building B," where Wan Zuo Dawn Theater is located, was originally a sugar industry warehouse during the Japanese colonial period. It has witnessed the development of the local sugar industry over the years. In 2003, it was designated a municipal historic site by the Taipei City Department of Cultural Affairs. After restoration, it was established as the "Sugar Refinery Cultural Park" and will be renamed "Taipei Sugar Refinery" in 2025. Its original cultural and historical value has been preserved, while simultaneously transforming into a traditional arts incubation base. Dawn Theater seized the opportunity provided by Taipei City's "Old House Cultural Movement Project" to lease and move into the space, transforming it into a professional theater that integrates artistic creation, performances, and training. This not only protects the cultural value of the historic building but also deeply combines artistic activities with a historical site, making it a part of the local cultural memory. 2. Diverse Venue Operation Model After the restoration of the historic site, Wan Zuo Dawn Theater underwent three years of space renovation and officially opened in 2022, becoming Taiwan's first theater company to operate under a "coexistence of team and venue" model. The venue has an artistic director who plans curatorial themes for annual art promotion, such as the Bangka International Dance Festival and the Wan Zuo Focus Series. It also provides professional rehearsal and performance spaces for performing arts groups, attracting more performing arts organizations to bring their excellent works to Wanhua. Upholding the spirit of open collaboration, it not only organizes its own performances and exhibitions but also makes the space available for use by other theater companies or art groups. 3. Cultural Practice and Community Interaction Since its establishment in Wanhua, Dawn Theater has actively integrated into the local community, using it as a source of creative inspiration for various social welfare and cultural practices. The theater has used "homeless individuals" and "sex workers" as subject matter for its productions, challenging social stereotypes and creating theatrical works based on these themes. Furthermore, Dawn Theater also offers community drama classes and has released the "Otter Project" series. It collaborates with the Nanhai Development Center to conduct drama courses for people with disabilities, aiming for inclusive theater. It also works with the neighboring Dali Elementary School to develop theatrical performances and takes students to participate in the annual autumn local celebration, the "Sugarcane Festival," jointly remembering the local sugar industry's history. Through participation in performing arts, it promotes the development of art and culture in the community, while also enhancing Wanhua District's cultural visibility and giving this traditional old area new vitality in modern society.