noun
gallery (theatre); upper balcony
Specifically the upper, cheaper seating area in a traditional theatre, especially kabuki. The term is strongly associated with kabuki culture.
歌舞伎座の大向こうから掛け声が飛んだ。
A shout came from the gallery of the Kabuki-za theatre.
By extension, the audience in the gallery, often seen as representing the common people or popular opinion. Can carry a nuance of the 'man on the street' or the general public's view.
彼の演技は大向こうをうならせた。
His performance impressed the audience.
その政策は大向こうには受けが悪い。
That policy is unpopular with the general public.
Compound of 大 (おお, 'big') and 向こう (むこう, 'opposite side'). Originally referred to the large seating area opposite the stage in traditional theatres, hence the gallery.