In the late summer of 2025, Taiwan’s most distinctive local arts festival — the Beitou Mini Theater Festival — will once again bring audiences an immersive experience to remember.
The brand-new production “Nakasi Before Dawn,” created by Ridge Studio, will premiere at the Royal Beitou Hotel from August 30 to September 26, offering a captivating blend of performance, atmosphere, and storytelling.
This production is not only a theatrical adventure combining mystery, interaction, and immersive storytelling, but also a collaboration with TOMU, infusing the performance with the fruity aroma and spirit of Taiwan’s terroir.
Beyond the narrative experience, audiences are invited to raise a glass and savor the authentic local flavors of Beitou, making the evening a celebration of both art and taste.
Where Theater Meets Wine: The Intertwining of Brand Stories
TOMU and Ridge Studio—two brands seemingly from different worlds—share a common spirit at their core. Both founders, of similar age, have chosen to root themselves in Taiwan through their respective crafts: one transforms local harvests and regional stories into the refined flavors of millet sparkling wine, while the other transforms local culture into immersive theatrical experiences, inviting audiences to step directly into art and storytelling.
This collaboration is more than wine entering the realm of theater—it is a reflection of each other’s creative essence.
Just as TOMU insists on crafting wines that tell stories through the ingredients of the land, Ridge Studio uses the language of theater to guide audiences through an emotional narrative about Beitou and its era. When wine and theater converge, they create a richer, more complete sensory experience—one where flavor and story intertwine, allowing the audience to both taste and feel the soul of Taiwan.
“Nakasi Before Dawn” — A Mystery and a Game of Choices
In “Nakasi Before Dawn,” the audience becomes part of the story as employees of the Hot Sea Grand Hotel, embarking on an investigation that unfolds like a tabletop mystery game. Each participant receives a unique set of maps and clue cards to gather evidence, solve puzzles, and interact with actors playing various NPC roles.
As each decision and deduction unfolds, the narrative branches into multiple possible endings—some shrouded in mystery, others unexpectedly revealing.
It’s a night of “the most extraordinary overtime ever”—a thrilling blend of mystery, immersion, and interactivity. The audience is no longer just observers, but active participants, driving the story forward while becoming entangled in the fate of the drama itself.
A Fusion of Fruity Aroma and Theatrical Ambience — TOMU Millet Sparkling Wine
To complement the immersive atmosphere of the performance, TOMU introduces its Ponkan Millet Sparkling Wine as the featured drink. The refreshing citrus aroma intertwined with fine millet bubbles not only represents Beitou’s local Ponkan harvest but also mirrors the play’s tone — familiar yet full of mystery. As the audience raises their glasses during the show, the momentary blend of fruit fragrance and gentle intoxication draws them deeper into the narrative, blurring the boundary between reality and performance.
At the venue’s front area, the full TOMU Millet Sparkling Wine collection will also be available for purchase, including Millet Peach, Millet Green Plum, Millet Red Oolong, and Millet Yuzu flavors. Audiences can not only experience the harmony of wine and theater within the performance but also take home the authentic taste of Taiwan’s terroir — allowing the feeling to linger beyond the final curtain.
Ridge Studio — Creative Energy from Theater to Community
Since its founding, Ridge Studio has been known for transforming original theatrical concepts into multidisciplinary creations across stage, exhibitions, concerts, and large-scale event productions. The studio operates its own woodworking and scenic art workshop, staffed by skilled carpenters and texture artists, offering full in-house production services — from curation and design to installation and dismantling — seamlessly blending creativity and execution.
Over the years, Ridge Studio has collaborated with major performing arts groups such as Godot Theatre Company, Paper Windmill Theatre, and Performance Workshop, as well as creating stage productions for artists like Jolin Tsai, Wu Bai, and Yuding (Fishdoll). The team has also partnered with institutions including the National Theater & Concert Hall, Weiwuying, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Education, showcasing their cross-disciplinary expertise.
Since 2020, Ridge Studio has spearheaded the Beitou Mini Theater Festival, using art as a bridge to local communities — nurturing place-based creativity and transforming Beitou into one of Taiwan’s rare artistic hubs that unite culture, land, and innovation.
Two Brands, One Vision — Sharing Taiwan’s Flavor and Story
For TOMU and Ridge Studio, this collaboration is more than a simple partnership — it represents a mutual journey of support and growth. Both founders, shaped by the same generation, share a deep connection to Taiwan’s land and culture, dedicating their work to meaningful creation.
TOMU aims to reinterpret Taiwan’s agricultural bounty through millet sparkling wine, transforming local ingredients and flavors into a drink that fits modern daily life. Ridge Studio, through theater, guides audiences into immersive storytelling, turning culture from something observed into something experienced. When the two come together, they bring Taiwan’s stories to life — told through the twin languages of wine and theater, shared with audiences both near and far.
Event Information
📅 Performance Dates: August 30 (Sat) – September 26 (Fri), 2025
🕒 Showtimes: Mon–Fri 19:30 / Sat–Sun 14:30
📍 Venue: Royal Beitou Hotel
🔔 Note: Pre-show briefing begins 20 minutes before each session — please arrive on time.
2025 Nakasi Before Dawn invites you to raise your glass and experience the magic where theater and wine intertwine.
