Have you ever seen a building that looks like a circus tent? Right here in Koenji, the Za-Koenji Public Theatre stands as a testament to creative architecture. Designed by the award-winning Toyo Ito, Za-Koenji opened its doors in May 2009. This isn’t just any theatre. Za-Koenji pulsates with the energy of contemporary performing arts. Funded by the city of Suginami and managed by the Creative Theatre Network (CTN), Za-Koenji offers a diverse range of cultural experiences.
Za-Koenji’s mission extends beyond simply hosting performances. It aims to be a cultural hub for the community. The theatre actively supports local arts events, including Koenji’s “Big 4” festivals: Koenji Bikkuri Daidogei, Tokyo Koenji Awa-Odori, Koenji Fes, and Koenji Engei Festival. Inside this unique building, you’ll find not one, but three theatre spaces. The main auditorium, ZA-KOENJI 1, features a flexible flat floor. This design allows for a variety of stage and seating configurations, accommodating up to 238 people. ZA-KOENJI 2, the civic hall, offers a more traditional theatre experience. With fixed raked seating, it can hold between 189 and 298 people. Lastly, the Awaodori Hall serves as a studio theatre, primarily used for practicing the Awa-Odori dance.
Za-Koenji also houses a literary archive. In collaboration with the Japan Playwrights Association, the archive holds a collection of published plays, scripts, and other materials related to contemporary Japanese theatre. This resource is open to the public. Imagine browsing through thousands of works, delving into the world of Japanese drama. After exploring the archive, you can relax at Cafe Henri Fabre. Located within Za-Koenji, the cafe offers a welcoming atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy refreshments. They even host drama readings, lectures, and children’s activities. Za-Koenji’s commitment to community engagement is evident in its programs and initiatives. The theatre offers a “Namichike” ticket scheme. This allows patrons to purchase a book of four vouchers at a reduced price. These vouchers can then be exchanged for tickets to any Za-Koenji performance throughout the season. They also produce and present a diverse range of performances, from drama and dance to music and storytelling.
Za-Koenji also recognizes the importance of nurturing young talent. They plan to open a theatre academy in collaboration with universities and other public theatres. This academy will offer specialized training, promoting the development of young theatre practitioners. Za-Koenji stands as a vibrant hub of creativity and community. It embodies the spirit of Koenji. More than just a theatre, Za-Koenji is a place where people connect with art and with each other.