Zhi Yin Black Box Theatre

National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) is located in the heart of Taipei’s cultural and educational district and has long been recognized as a leading institution in education and a major center for cultivating talent in the arts and culture. To further establish NTNU as a model venue for professional arts education and community theatre in metropolitan Taipei, the University, with the support of former President Gou Yih-shun and then President Kuoen Chang, commissioned then Director Lin Shu-Zhen of the Graduate Institute of Performing Arts to lead the project. With the contributions of faculty members and professionals from within and outside the University, the former New Media Educational Resources Laboratory on the 10th floor of the General Building was redesigned and renovated beginning in late 2009.

The space was transformed into a multifunctional educational and community theatre suitable for small-scale artistic performances, teaching, rehearsals, seminars, and studio production. Upon its completion in early 2010, the venue was officially named the Zhi Yin Black Box Theatre, reflecting its guiding idea: “Through interaction, we become kindred spirits.” The theatre was completed around this period, with NTNU reporting its opening and subsequent unveiling in 2009 and 2010.

The name Zhi Yin reflects the idea of interaction and mutual appreciation between performers and audiences. Although the theatre is relatively compact, its audience configuration can be adjusted flexibly to suit different production needs, creating possibilities for experimentation that are less readily available in conventional medium- and large-scale theatres. Its professional-grade lighting and sound systems further support a wide range of performance practices.

The theatre’s artistic identity also extends beyond the performance space itself. Displayed on a white wall outside the theatre is its name in calligraphy by Cheng Shan-hsi, Professor Emeritus of NTNU and a renowned Taiwanese artist and calligrapher. The calligraphy, rendered through laser-cut lettering and illuminated by projected light, gives the venue a distinctive visual presence that reflects its commitment to artistic creativity. Cheng Shan-hsi is officially identified by NTNU as Professor Emeritus of the Department of Fine Arts, and NTNU sources use the English name Cheng Shan-hsi.