Playhouse,
Okayama Performing Arts Theatre, Harenowa

The Conical Seating Area Offers a Sense of Unity Between Stage and Audience

There are three theatres at the Okayama Performing Arts Theatre, Harenowa.
The Playhouse, which makes you feel the abyss of space, is an 801-seat theatre used for performing arts performances such as stage plays, dance, and traditional performing arts, as well as musical arts performances. In the Playhouse, the audience feels so close to the stage that they can almost hear the performers' voices and breathing without a mic. The seating area is conical, with the Row Rise getting larger as one moves toward the rear. The difference in step height between the front and back is more than 30 cm. When you stand on stage, it is as if the audience is looming over you. The front seats on the first tier and the second tier are in a staggered layout, allowing the audience to see the stage from any seat.

Attractive Seating with a Clear Night Motif, Supporting Audience Members' Bodies

Seating is lined up straight toward the stage and arranged based on Unizon, as in the Grand Theatre. The backboard and cushions have a linear trim in contrast to the Grand Theatre. The cushions were designed to show a solid wood edge when viewed from the front. Combined with the sharp lines that shape each seat, this gives the entire seating area a clean, uncluttered effect. At the same time, in contrast to the seat's appearance, the triple-curved shape of the backboard and cushions gently wrap the body when viewed from the side, with an S-shaped curve that follows the spine and a curve that hugs the back when viewed from above.
The Spacia seats are thinner toward the seat edge. This gives the legs more freedom when seated and provides a large foot space. The universal design also allows for easy standing and seating.
The upholstery, designed specifically for the Playhouse by FABRIKO, further enhances the space-like mood. Like the Grand Theatre, the Playhouse, with its sunny Okayama theme, was designed to represent a clear night with a beautiful starry sky. It gives the entire auditorium a shadowy, attractive atmosphere. For more information on upholstery fabrics, please click here.

Creating the Optimal Environment for Every Performance

The first five rows of seating can be removed and taken away from the floor. Simply remove the temporary fixing bolts holding the floor to the base of the chair and gently lift the chair, and the seats will roll away. The floor of this area features a trapdoor that can be raised and lowered, and it can also be used as an orchestra pit.
During musical performances, acoustic reflectors are installed on the stage walls and ceiling, and chairs for the orchestra are arranged on the stage. The FC-700 series orchestra chair features a flat seat and moderate weight. It supports various postures during performance and maintains stability. The matte black color complements the performers and makes the concert even more spectacular.

Backstage Chairs for Harenowa

Chairs specifically designed for the space were chosen for the dressing rooms used by the performers as waiting rooms. Stool-type seats that do not damage costumes, the two-layered structure of urethane foam and resin fiber core inside creates a more comfortable seat. The wide, level seat surface allows you to sit in any direction. These backstage chairs were meticulously adjusted as samples were checked with the involved staff.

Facility Overview

The Okayama Performing Arts Theatre, Harenowa was built in the Sen'nichimae area, once a bustling entertainment district lined with playhouses and movie theaters. The area has a long tradition of entertainment, and this facility incorporates the functions of the Okayama Civic Hall and Okayama Municipal Cultural Hall. The moniker "Harenowa" was chosen by the public. The facility creates a bright place among the ordinary with its extraordinary stage space. It is intended to be a familiar theatre for the citizens of Okayama to bring about greater brightness in the city.
The facility embodies the concepts of "Attract," "Gather," and "Create." Through the creation and sharing of culture and the arts, we aim to nurture citizens who are familiar with culture and art, along with theatre people and artists who will support the theatre of the future. We also aim to create a lively city and an emotionally vibrant community.
In addition to the Playhouse, the facility also features the Grand Theatre for operas and other large-scale performances, the Pit Theatre for creating a variety of performing arts, the Art Salon, and Studio. The facility is open to the public, with artwork by local and international artists on display in open spaces.

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