The Past and Future of the Stage-Audience Relationship: Tetsuya KOBAYASHI
Abstract
How are theatrical spaces created? It begins with the simple presence of those who perform and those who watch—the essential elements that define the stage and audience. Fundamentally, this relationship has two main configurations: face-to-face and the surroundings. Over time, diverse architectural forms, shaped by scale, purpose, and the spirit of each era, have emerged.
Who performs, and who observes? Is the stage an art form or a medium? How does the society surrounding the theater evolve? Where does stage design end and theater architecture begin, and where lies the boundary between them?
In this lecture, we shall explore the answers to these questions by examining historical precedents. Rather than forcing a single, linear narrative onto the stage-audience relationship, we shall embrace the diversity and distinct origins of each era. By connecting key themes, we seek to uncover new possibilities for how performers and audiences interact.
Furthermore, this discussion shall incorporate architectural perspectives. It ranges from perspective drawing techniques to the structural design of horseshoe layouts and scenery wagons. It also covers modern immersive theater, where the stage surrounds the audience, as well as innovative technologies, such as video and motion capture. Ultimately, we shall ponder the future of the act of “watching” itself.
Event Outline
- Time and Date: November 14th (Sat.) 2026, 14:00 – 16:00 (JST)
- Format: Hyflex (On-Campus and Online meeting (Zoom))
- Presenter: Tetsuya KOBAYASHI
- Affiliation: Theatre Workshop Co., Ltd.
- Title: Corporate Officer
- Venue: Waseda University, Nishi-Waseda Campus, Room 102 of Building 52
*No advance registration is required. - Moderator: Michiko ISHII
- Language: Japanese
- Organized by: Waseda Institute of Research in Opera and Music Theatre (WIROM), Comprehensive Research Organization, Waseda University
Profile of Presenter
Tetsuya KOBAYASHI was born in Tokyo in 1973, he graduated from the Department of Architecture, School of Science and Engineering, Waseda University in 1996, and completed his master’s degree in architecture (Architectural History Laboratory) at Waseda University’s Graduate School of Science and Engineering in 1998. He has been with Theatre Workshop Co., Ltd. since 1999. Involved in the development of numerous projects ranging from public to private, and small to large theaters, he continues to propose innovative relationships between the stage and audience, as well as new approaches to cultural facilities.
He conducted research on municipal theatres in German-speaking regions in the late 19th century and was also involved in the museum’s restoration research project of the former Imperial Theatre.
Archtectural Projects
Imperial Theatre (under construction), Rumah Budaya Indonesia Kaya (under construction; Jakarta, Indonesia), TACHIKAWA STAGE GARDEN, Osaka Shin-Kabukiza Theatre, Misonoza, Sankei Hall Breeze, COOL JAPAN PARK OSAKA, IMM THEATER, Kichijoji Theatre, Owlspot Theatre, Akasaka RED/THEATER, Waseda Shogekijo Dramakan Theater, Okuma Memorial Auditorium (Renovation), Takasaki City Theatre, Chino Cultural Complex … and others
Registration
Registration is required by November 13th (Fri.) for online participants. Please complete your registration via the provided URL.
https://list-waseda-jp.zoom.us/meeting/register/iQipQi4ST5yeEHAWncTTbw
*Please show your full name on the display, mute yourself, and turn off the video, except when talking; refrain from taking screenshots, recordings, etc., and follow the moderator’s instructions.
Contact
Waseda Institute of Research in Opera and Music Theatre (WIROM), Comprehensive Research Organization, Waseda University: https://prj-opera-mt.w.waseda.jp/
e-mail address: operaken-uketsuke[at]list.waseda.jp ([at] = @)
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