Zhuqi Dongsheng Theater

Dongsheng Theater (東昇戲院) is located in Zhuqi, an important stop on the Alishan forest railway (阿里山森林鐵路). Although its operating history is not known, it is reasonable to assume this theater was likely established in the 1950s or 1960s, and probably went out of business in the 1980s. After closing it was renovated into apartments, most of which have now been abandoned for quite some time.

Date CapturedJanuary 15th, 2022 at 03:23 UTCCameraNIKON D3400LensAF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G or AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VRApertureƒ / 9Shutter Speed1/320 secFocal Length20.0 mmISO100Exposure Value14.7 EVOriginal Size3600 × 2400

The theater fronts onto a traditional market (竹崎郷公所第一零售市場). Vendors still operate out of ground level, which presumably means the theater was originally located above. There is nothing too special about the design of this building; it’s a reinforced concrete hulk with the name emblazoned on the front and back of the structure.

Date CapturedJanuary 15th, 2022 at 03:23 UTCCameraNIKON D3400LensAF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR or AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6GApertureƒ / 9Shutter Speed1/320 secFocal Length25.0 mmISO100Exposure Value14.7 EVOriginal Size3600 × 2400

Date CapturedJanuary 15th, 2022 at 03:29 UTCCameraNIKON D3400LensAF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR or AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6GApertureƒ / 4.5Shutter Speed1/250 secFocal Length18.0 mmISO400Exposure Value12.3 EVOriginal Size3600 × 2400

Date CapturedJanuary 15th, 2022 at 03:21 UTCCameraNIKON D3400LensAF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR or AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6GApertureƒ / 8Shutter Speed1/250 secFocal Length18.0 mmISO140Exposure Value14.0 EVOriginal Size3600 × 2400

Date CapturedJanuary 15th, 2022 at 03:21 UTCCameraNIKON D3400LensAF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G or AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VRApertureƒ / 8Shutter Speed1/250 secFocal Length18.0 mmISO200Exposure Value14.0 EVOriginal Size3600 × 2400

Given the scarcity of theaters in this area it may have simply been known as Zhuqi Theater (竹崎戲院), although there’s still a chance there may have been another, less permanent theater in town for traditional opera and other performances.