The Indigenous Peoples Cultural Development Center and the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) held the grand opening ceremony of its brand-new Theater, “Feet on the Land”, on July 5. In the presence of indigenous community partners and over a hundred guests, the ribbon was cut in the cultural venue that blends natural imagery with modern theater aesthetics, marking an important milestone for the sustainable preservation and international showcasing of Taiwan’s indigenous song and dance traditions.

CIP Minister Ljaucu·Zingrur joined indigenous representatives and dignitaries from various communities to celebrate the occasion, showcasing the rich and diverse indigenous performing arts of Taiwan. Built to serve as a dedicated stage for traditional songs, dances, ceremonies, and contemporary creations by indigenous peoples from Taiwan and abroad, the theater aims to become the premier indigenous performing arts platform in the nation.

Blending traditional indigenous architectural motifs with contemporary design, the newly inaugurated theater spans over 1,200 pings and features a 650-seat theater, state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, and versatile rehearsal spaces. It is set to host a year-round program of performances, advancing both arts education and cultural tourism.

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Architectural Design Concept: A Fusion of Nature, Culture, and Modernity

The design embodies profound cultural meaning and a deep reverence for nature, cumulating in a performance venue where artistry, functionality, and environmental harmony coexist.

Its flowing roofline, shaped with dynamic curves, evokes the imagery of waves or wings—symbols of natural movement and the spirit of freedom—reflecting the indigenous worldview of living in harmony with the land and sky. The white-and-gray façade, paired with a metal roof, offers a clean, contemporary aesthetic, while the interplay of light and shadow conveys the spirit of traditional architecture. The entrance, framed by an elegant, curved glass curtain wall, creates an open yet ceremonial space, welcoming visitors with a sense of dignity and cultural respect.

Seamlessly integrated with the surrounding terrain, the building follows the contours of the hillside, with one side opening to a cliff—offering both a scenic overlook and a performance backdrop. Lush native greenery has been preserved, shaping an atmosphere reminiscent of a sacred tribal site, where culture, nature, and humanity converge in a unique spatial experience.

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Professional Theater Standards: A Dedicated Stage for Indigenous Song and Dance

Designed to showcase both traditional and contemporary indigenous performances, the theater features a proscenium stage built to international theater standards, ensuring audiences can enjoy a clear, focused view while experiencing both ceremonial gravitas and dramatic impact. Equipped with advanced lighting and sound systems, including programmable lighting controls and a digital audio platform, the venue supports traditional instruments, live music, and multimedia sound effects, meeting the demands of diverse performance styles.

The theater is set to become a vital platform for promoting indigenous performing arts, hosting cultural events, and advancing arts education. With plans to stage over a hundred performances and workshops each year, it aims to foster dialogue and understanding between indigenous communities and the wider public.

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The opening performance featured the Naluwan Dance Troupe, presenting the special “‘oway” (vines) – a piece reflecting the place of music and dance at the heart of indigenous cultural memory, never as a mere accompaniment but as a living core. Spanning 38 years of evolution since the troupe’s origins in 1988 as an indigenous song-and-dance cultural service group, the piece draws from field research, artistic transformation, and a return to ancestral memory, arriving at a contemporary expression of culture. Using the body as its language, “‘oway” portrays the diversity and resilience of indigenous life, weaving together land and people like vines that grow upward toward the light.

The Indigenous Peoples Cultural Development Center warmly invites the public to visit, immerse themselves in the richness of indigenous art and life wisdom, and witness a culture that is not only preserved in record but lives on in every song and movement.