TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The National Theater and Concert Hall (OPENTIX兩廳院) unveiled its "2023 Ticket Sales and Consumer Behavior Report" on Wednesday (May 22), showcasing a record-breaking year with total box office revenues reaching NT$1.57 billion and ticket sales hitting 2.05 million. The report highlights the growing popularity of performing arts in Taiwan, with dance, modern drama, traditional opera, and music performances drawing significant audiences.
Record-Breaking Performances
Leading the charge in the dance category was the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre's (雲門舞集) production of "Legacy" (薪傳), while the Greenray Theatre Company (綠光劇團) topped the modern drama category with its play "Tomb Sweeping" (清明時節). The performing arts sector saw an impressive revenue of NT$1.54 billion, with ticket sales for medium to large performances increasing from 50% in 2022 to 60% in 2023. The total number of performances also rose to 6,729, setting new records across the board.
Digital Transformation and Musical Theatre's Rise
The National Theater and Concert Hall attributed this success to its ongoing digital transformation efforts, aiming to provide performing arts groups with new tools to understand market trends and consumer behavior. Notably, the report also pointed out a significant increase in musical theatre sales, with several Taiwanese musicals gaining widespread attention. Among the top performers in traditional opera and music were the Tang Mei Yun Taiwanese Opera Company's (唐美雲歌仔戲團) "Zhuge Liang: A Promise Never Forgot" (臥龍：永遠的彼日) and the Con Bello Symphonic Band's (狂美) concert featuring the works of Joe Hisaishi (久石讓).
This surge in performing arts popularity underscores a vibrant cultural scene in Taiwan, with audiences increasingly drawn to a diverse range of performances. The National Theater and Concert Hall's report not only celebrates the achievements of the past year but also sets a hopeful tone for the future of performing arts in Taiwan.