Four Taiwan troupes are set to feature in the 2018 Festival Off d’Avignon running July 6-29 in France, spotlighting the vibrancy of the nation’s performing arts sector.
Modern dance companies T.T.C. Dance and Tjimur Dance Theatre are returning to the event after garnering acclaim during their previous outings in 2013 and 2017, respectively. They are being joined by festival debutants Circus P.S. and Jin Kwei Lo Puppetry Company.
Deputy Minister of Culture Yang Tzu-pao said that this marks the 12th consecutive year Taiwan acts have appeared at the event, highlighting the government’s commitment to helping local art groups present their works and foster connections with contemporaries from around the world. The diverse Taiwan troupes participating in the 2018 edition are certain to impress audiences with their bold and innovative shows, he added.
Circus P.S., established in 2015, will present “Distance,” a performance incorporating elements of acrobatic gymnastics, modern dance and tai chi to explore the emotional distance between people in contemporary society.
Founded by Taiwan’s leading female puppeteer Chiang Szu-mei, Jin Kwei Lo will present its glove puppetry show “La Potion de Reincarnation.” The work centers on Meng Po, a figure from Chinese mythology who ensures souls ready for reincarnation have forgotten their previous lives.
Tjimur Dance Theatre, launched in 2006, is the first modern dance company in Taiwan dedicated to highlighting Paiwan indigenous culture. After performing to sold-out crowds at last year’s festival, the troupe is returning with its latest offering “Varhung—Heart to Heart,” a show examining the emotional processes of joy, anger and sadness through the unique body language and chanting of the aboriginal tribe.
T.T.C. Dance, established in 2012 by U.S.-based Taiwan choreographer Chang Ting-ting, will stage “Deja Vu.” The work exploring themes such as memory and regret employs innovative 3-D technology in its set design.
Founded in 1947, Festival d’Avignon is one of France’s foremost art events. The Off portion was introduced in 1968 to incorporate avant-garde and spontaneous performances at informal venues such as restaurants and theater schools. (CPY-E)
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