Restoring a first class theater 淡江大小事

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Restoring a first class theater

Date 2010-11-02 11072 Clicks

FENG, WEN-HSING

On Nov. 2, the College of Liberal Arts was home to a “re-opening ceremony”. The ceremony marked the re-opening of Tamkang University’s Experimental Theater, which had been closed for refurbishment. For the ceremony, a number of activities were organized, including a theatrical performance, a brief report on the renovation process using diagrams and pictures, a scrumptious lunch, consisting of south European style food and wine, and a toast – by the President of Tamkang University, Dr. Flora Chia-I Chang – to Tamkang University’s upcoming 60th anniversary.

Tamkang University’s experimental theater was built in 1977, as part of the construction of the College of Liberal Arts. At the time, it was one of the very few comprehensive theaters built in a university campus. Its interior design and overall layout possesses a unique, very theatrical style, setting it apart from other theaters. It is used variously: for the Tamkang Drama Club’s regular rehearsals, the College of Languages and Literatures’ end of semester plays and scenario-based dialogues; even the Department of Architecture’s end of semester presentations are held there. For Tamkang students, being able to perform in a first class theater facility is a rare and precious experience. And so it is no surprise that many alumni, when reminiscing on their days at Tamkang, talk so fondly of this special theater.

Its important place in Tamkang culture inspired drama instructor and Spanish Assoc. Prof., Lin Hui-ying, to give it a makeover. The first step in the process was to invite the Department of Architecture Assis. Prof., Sung Liwen, and Lecturer, Chen Xuancheng, to evaluate and appraise the theater premises. They found that the size and layout of the facility met the basic requirements for a university theater. However, they suggested that refurbishment of the existing facilities would enhance its diversity of function, increase its unique nature, and redefine its role in the context of the Tamsui Campus.

Thus, in this year’s summer break, Assis. Prof. Sung and Ms. Chen enlisted a sizeable group of Architecture students to carry out renovations. They worked day and night, in sweltering heat, and succeeded in restoring the Experimental Theater to its former glory, as a sparkling beacon for theater and drama.

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