Shulin Arts and Culture Center Collaborates with 'The Fire Stealers Theater' for 'Theater Unboxed' Event from September 19–24

This year, 'Theater Unboxed at New Taipei Performance Venues' collaborates with Taiwan Top-accredited performing group 'The Fire Stealers Theater' to present 'Where Is Mickey?'—a theater production rich in family education themes—at the Shulin Arts and Culture Center from September 19 to 24. Students, teachers, and the general public across New Taipei City are invited to join the 'Theater Detective Team,' searching for Mickey's whereabouts during the performance while also exploring the mysterious front-of-house and backstage areas of the experimental theater. One ticket grants full access to the entire theater experience!

Since 2022, the New Taipei City Cultural Affairs Bureau has hosted 'Theater Unboxed,' inviting renowned domestic performing groups to present captivating shows and open up theater spaces. The event has attracted nearly 9,000 visitors to the Shulin Arts and Culture Center. As New Taipei City's first experimental theater, the venue features a flexible and innovative stage design, hosting diverse performances across theater, dance, and music.

To continuously promote performing arts, encourage emerging creators, and realize cultural accessibility, 'Theater Unboxed' allows audiences to step inside the theater, experience live performances, learn theater etiquette and knowledge, and participate in hands-on activities such as operating lighting, sound, and stage equipment. This deepens their understanding of theater spaces and performing arts professions, transforming them into 'one-day professional theater staff.'

This year, 'The Fire Stealers Theater,' recognized by Taiwan's Ministry of Culture and the National Cultural and Arts Foundation as a Taiwan Top group, presents 'Where Is Mickey?'—a drama that begins with the disappearance of a pet mouse. Through a couple's search for their lost pet, the play gradually reveals emotional tensions, hidden secrets, and communication breakdowns within the family, exploring the collapse of intergenerational trust and the loss of understanding. The performance is highly relevant to contemporary social issues and offers strong educational value for families.

Beyond watching the performance, audiences become theater detectives, tracking Mickey's clues while learning about stagecraft through five themes: observation, storytelling, space, light, and backstage operations—unlocking the mysteries of the Shulin Arts and Culture Center.

'Theater Unboxed' includes six school专场 performances from September 21 to 24, offered free of charge to school groups from elementary to high school levels in New Taipei City. Additionally, two community outreach performances will be held on September 19, allowing the public to enjoy the show and theater experience at an affordable price. Early bird tickets are available at a 25% discount until August 23, and youth seats are offered at 50% off (limited quantities, while supplies last). For event details and ticketing, visit the OPENTIX ticketing system: https://www.opentix.life/event/2081988117284843521.

Audiences experience technical operations as theater crew members. (Photo: New Taipei City Cultural Affairs Bureau)