What is Sugita Theater, an artistic space filled with natural light?
Infiltrate an art space!
YOKOHAMA ART SPOT FILE
A place where all residents love, gather, and continue to nurture
Isogo Ward Cultural Center Sugita Theater
This time, we visited the cultural facility “Isogo Ward Citizens Cultural Center Sugita Theater” on the 4th and 5th floors of Labista Shinsugita, a 3-minute walk from JR Negishi Line “Shin-Sugita Station”. Did you know that the "Sugita Theater" at the end of the name of this cultural center contains the "feelings" of the local people? (Actually, I was able to find out by visiting the interview!)
Hibari Misora, whose name was Kazue Misora, made her debut at the age of 8 at the former Sugita Theater, which is located under the elevated JR line and Route 16 heading towards Tomioka. It opened on October 3, 1950 (Showa 25) and closed on October 3, 1950. When the ``Isogo Ward Citizens' Cultural Center'' opened as a public facility in Yokohama, a nickname was solicited from the residents. The name was decided to be "People Culture Center Sugita Theater". It seems that people who know the time have donated memorabilia, and posters and other items that were donated in 2004 by the nephew of the president of the former Sugita Theater are displayed in the hall. increase.
The poster on the wall has the words “Misora Band” written on it!
After passing through the entrance, you will find a spacious lobby. Various decorations are made by the local people who gather here. Wall posters, hand-made pamphlets and newspapers, and even seasonal items.
At the time of the interview, it was mid-April, so a helmet decoration was placed.
At the end of the lobby is a white-walled gallery where the artworks shine (a photo exhibition was being held at the time of the interview). The lighting equipment is also well equipped, making it a suitable space for exhibiting not only photographs but also paintings, calligraphy, crafts, and various other works of art.
There are rehearsal rooms and practice rooms on the left and right sides of this gallery. When I was waiting in front of the rehearsal room where the dance lesson was over, the sweaty and pleasant-looking locals thundered away... I took a picture of the rehearsal room after the end, which was full of enthusiasm.
The board-lined rehearsal room is quite spacious and seems easy to move around in! Of course, it can be used for rehearsals and practice, but with this size it can also be used as a venue for small recitals and performances. This time, both practice rooms were in use, so I couldn't sneak in, but it seems that singing lessons were being held for recitals.
Under the guidance of the staff, we headed to the main hall. Along the way, I found a character in this Kirin vending machine that I've never seen before...!! "Umeni" is a local character named after the plum tree in Isogo Ward. Certainly, the ears are shaped like plum buds~♡
The hall is located on the 2nd floor up the stairs. Before that, I have to introduce this staircase (the right side is an escalator) because it is wonderful. It seems to be a popular spot for users, but this staircase is actually an atrium...
At the top of the stairs, there was a space like this contemporary art. We were lucky that the weather was fine on the day we visited, so much so that we suddenly asked the photographer, "Please take a picture here!" It was such a beautiful moment. You can enjoy various patterns of light and shadow over time. Lucky Me to be able to visit at this time on this day!!
The foyer in front of the hall spreads beyond. Outside is a terrace seat. It's a very comfortable space with natural light gently coming in here.
On performance days, you can also order drinks here during intermissions.
Soak in the afterglow of the concert while sunbathing on the terrace.
This is the "parent-child room" (4 seats) in front of the hall. Since it is partitioned with glass, even if small children get upset, they can enjoy concerts and other events with peace of mind.
Well, finally, to the multipurpose hall with 310 seats. It can be used as a place for appreciating and presenting cultural and artistic activities regardless of genre, such as music, drama, and dance.
Wheelchair seats (4 seats) are also available.
We also asked about the “special seats” in the hall that only the staff know about!
Since the seats are higher than the other seats, there is nothing to block the front and you can see the stage well. During performances where all seats are free, wait for the opening time and keep this seat!
In addition, our interview team was allowed to disturb us on the stage. The audience seats look like this from the stage. It seems that you can also set up a hanamichi, which is indispensable in Kabuki and Japanese dance.
And the audience is “watching” from behind the scenes (laughs). Using this kind of peephole, you can see how the audience is enjoying themselves.
The stage general operation console is also a shame!! I'm excited to visit the backyard because I can't usually enter it.
Finally, I also saw the dressing room behind the stage. On the day of the performance, many performers gather here, and the space is full of tension and enthusiasm.
Concerts, theatrical performances, exhibitions, and dance lessons…Furthermore, the summer festival that is held every summer is popular at the Isogo Ward Citizens Cultural Center Sugita Theater.
Aiming to be a "City Residents Cultural Center" that contributes to the development of a community that makes people want to continue living, there were many people who visited the exhibition, worked up a sweat in the rehearsal room, and enjoyed music in the practice room. It was bustling with users of There are various seasonal events that you can casually participate in, so please feel free to drop by and be lured by the warm sunshine. It is a place where art, culture, and people can feel closer to each other.
