orchestra seats; pit; parquet
Refers to the flat-floor seating area directly in front of the stage in traditional Japanese theaters such as kabuki. The term is specific to theater architecture and may not be widely known outside that context.
The orchestra seats in kabuki are close to the stage and very powerful.
Tickets for the pit often sell out quickly.
Compound of 平 (flat) and 土間 (earthen floor or open floor space), referring to the flat, unraised seating area in traditional theaters.