#Japan #Tokyo #Shimokitazawa #Anting Musical #Taiwan Theater

Introduction

The upcoming Shimokitazawa Theater Festival will feature a unique solo musical from Taiwan, titled 'Anting' (安庭), running from February 12 to 14, 2026, at Theater 711, Setagaya, Tokyo. This production, hosted by Ridge Theatre from Taiwan, takes a fresh approach to storytelling by emphasizing emotional depth rather than relying on elaborate stage designs.

About 'Anting'

In a world that often glamorizes love, 'Anting' opts for a more introspective journey. The protagonist, Lee Chi, faces the end of a relationship without clear closure. Respecting the emotional distance his partner seems to need, Lee's choice reflects maturity and self-awareness, yet internally, he grapples with unresolved feelings. Armed with just a guitar, he narrates and sings on stage, weaving together unspoken emotions and fragmented moments of connection into a harmonious musical experience.

What makes this work stand out is how it perceives separation not as an ending but as the beginning of an inner dialogue. As the audience follows Lee's journey, they unconsciously overlap their own memories and feelings with his, forging a deeper connection with the performance.

Awards and History

'Anting' first graced the stage at the Taipei Fringe Festival in 2020, where it won the prestigious 'Best of Fringe' award. Since its debut, it has been staged multiple times, marking this instance as its fifth performance. However, rather than a mere reiteration of a successful production, it represents an ongoing endeavor to encounter new audiences and redefine its meaning in diverse contexts.

Ridge Theatre's Commitment

Ridge Theatre has long been a pillar of the art scene in Beitou, Taiwan. Through initiatives like the Beitou Arts Festival, they maintain a creative philosophy of nurturing smaller works over time. This approach is reflected in 'Anting's' minimalist setup—featuring just a single actor and music—allowing attendees to focus more on the emotional content rather than visual distractions.

A Reflection on Love

While Shimokitazawa is known for numerous works exploring love, 'Anting' poses a contemplative question: not about love itself but rather about the relationship between love memories and one's self. Scheduled just before and after Valentine's Day, this performance is not just for couples experiencing romance but also for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of themselves.

Performance Details

Produced by: Ridge Theatre (TAIWAN) in collaboration with the Beitou Art Festival

Title: 'Anting' (安庭)
Performance Dates: February 12 (Thursday) to February 14 (Saturday), 2026
Venue: Theater 711, 1-45-15 Kitazawa, Setagaya, Tokyo
Performance Duration: 70 minutes (no intermission)

Cast

• - Zhong Yue-Huan (鍾岳桓)

Schedule

• - February 12 (Thursday) - 14:00
• - February 13 (Friday) - 14:00
• - February 14 (Saturday) - 14:00

Note: Box office opens 30 minutes before each performance. The show will be performed in Taiwanese Mandarin with Japanese subtitles.

Ticket Information

• - General Admission: ¥3,500
• - Setagaya Resident Discount: ¥2,500
• - Student Price: ¥1,000

For tickets and more information, visit the Kanfeiti website.

Conclusion

Anting’s exploration of love through a solo theatrical lens will surely resonate with audiences, challenging them to reflect on their memories and emotions surrounding love, making this a must-see performance at the Shimokitazawa Festival.