Grand Theatre,
Okayama Performing Arts Theatre, Harenowa

A “hare” (special) place where you can experience the ultimate in the performing arts

The Okayama Performing Arts Theatre, Harenowa held its grand opening on September 1, 2023. This is a facility long-awaited by the residents of Okayama Prefecture.

The Grand Theatre is used for a diverse range of performances: from operas, concerts, theatrical plays, and dance and other large-scale public performances to traditional performance arts, pop music and rock music. It is a “hare” (special) place where you can experience the ultimate in the performing arts. The 16.7-m deep stage and stage equipment incorporating the latest technologies realize large-scale performing arts staging and various other performances. The interior, which makes extensive use of wood, and the vibrantly colored audience seating combine to create a resplendent atmosphere suitable for a “hare” (special) place.

Audience seating allows the stage to be seen easily from any seat

The 1,753-capacity audience seating stacked in three stages has been arranged in a gentle arc as though encircling the stage. The audience seating has been carefully designed to allow the stage to be seen easily from any seat.

The seats in the front of the center block in the first stage are arranged in a staggered pattern alternating between the front and back rows to enhance visibility. The floor slopes downward toward the seats at the both ends of the front rows in the second and third stages. The floor of the balcony seats beyond that also slopes down toward the stage. In this way, the seats at the front are closer to the stage while the seats at the back have an easier line of sight to the stage. The height of the seat and legs has been adjusted to align with the conditions at that place so that there is no feeling of discomfort when using the seats.

The balcony seats in the second and third stages are individual seats. Balcony seats are often avoided as they are difficult to see from. However, it is possible to place the seats closer to the handrails by making them individual seats. That means you can view the stage in front of you when using them. As a result, visibility is enhanced.

Seats for Harenowa which create a comfortable viewing environment

We arranged the seats for Harenowa based on Unizon which are characterized by a feeling as if holding you. The backs are slightly tapered toward the top and are trimmed gently roundly. Widening the gap between adjacent seats has reduced the feeling of oppression and produced a more open feeling in the audience seating. The seat number plates have an L shape along the front and edge of the back panels. This makes it easier to find your seat. 

Spacia was adopted for the seats. The feature of these seats is that it is possible to secure a wide space at your legs. The shape, which becomes thinner toward the ends, enhances the freedom of movement of your legs when you are sitting down. The seats have a universal design. It is possible to smoothly stand up and sit down because you can pull your legs under them deeply. Original corrugated springs have been built into these seats. The springs were developed through many years of research by Kotobuki Seating. Accordingly, users can sit down in them comfortably for a long period of time.

The original textile by FABRIKO Co., Ltd. adds a touch of gorgeousness to the audience seating. This design was made for Harenowa to express “a sunny day” on the theme of “Okayama: the Land of Sunshine.” When the lighting hits it, it reflects brilliantly. This makes the theater look even more elegant. 

We have installed handrail bars on the ends of the seats on the aisle side in the audience seating in the steeply sloping second stage. These handrail bars, which give a sense of security to those passing through by allowing them to place their hands on them at that time, are connected with metal fittings rather than being directly attached to the backboards. Accordingly, it secures a reasonable distance from the heads of those seated in the audience. Handrails independent from the seats are installed in the even steeper sloped third stage to ensure the safety of the audience. 

A multipurpose room has been set up at the rear of the audience seating. This is a space which can be used as a parent and child room or as a simultaneous interpretation booth. Here, we have installed HARU chair. These are stackable chairs for halls. They can be used flexibly. They offer cushioning, comfort and a design with an appearance that compares favorably to theater seats. Using the same upholstery ensures a sense of unity throughout the theater. In addition to the multipurpose room, space has also been set aside for companions of wheelchair users.

Facility Overview

The Okayama Performing Arts Theatre, Harenowa has opened as a facility with the functions of both the Okayama Civic Hall and the Okayama City Civic Culture Hall. It is found in a district called Sennichimae which has a long tradition in the business of entertainment. It once bustled as a town of recreation lined with playhouses and movie theaters. The nickname of “Harenowa” was decided through a public contest. It is a theater which creates a “hare” (special) space where it is possible to enjoy extraordinary stage experiences in everyday life. The name contains the hope that it will become a familiar theater to residents and spread out a circle of specialness through the city of Okayama.

The concept of the facility is to “enchant,” “gather people together” and “make things.” It is aiming to foster residents who are familiar with arts and culture, theater professionals who will support theaters in the future and other artists by creating and disseminating culture and the arts. At the same time, it is looking to create a spiritually rich and vibrant community by leading to the creation of a bustling area.

In addition to the Grand Theatre, there is a Playhouse where you can enjoy live music, a Pit Theatre where diverse performing arts are created, an Art Salon, Studio and more. Artwork by Japanese and overseas artists are displayed in the open space. These and other efforts make it a facility easy for residents to visit.

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