The Kumamoto Prefectural Theater has been beloved by residents of the prefecture for over 30 years.
The theatre closed in April of 2016 due to the effects of the Kumamoto earthquake, but there was no critical damage to the structure, and after the safety of the building was confirmed the theatre was reopened four months later. The precious art pieces performed here helped soothe the hearts of the people of Kumamoto, who had been so distressed by the earthquake.
The Performance Hall contains 1,172 seats, and has 3 separate levels. The second level is built so that it seems to wrap around the seats of the first level from behind, and at its front it connects with the first level. The third level is built layered upon the second, and the angle of the floor was designed rather steeply to prevent the heads of one row of the audience form blocking those behind them. The hall has been well reviewed for the way in which it allows even the furthest audience member to see the faces of the actors on stage.
The seatbacks are made from molded and shaped plywood, which was the latest in technology in 1980 when the hall was built. The deign showcases both the strength and the warmth of the wood as a material. The legs of the seats were made individually from cast iron. The simple and clean look of the design is enough to conceal the true strength and heft of the materials. The base color of the upholstery is a brown color chosen to contrast with the dark blue of the Concert Hall.
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