Taiwan Today

Various forms of the performing arts have emerged in Taiwan since the 1980s, a decade in which the country experienced rapid economic development and social liberalization. Although stage lighting and the constant movement of performers pose challenges for photographers, a few dedicated individuals have been chronicling the growth of the nation’s performing arts landscape since that period.

One of the most established names in stage photography is Hsu Ping (許斌). Originally a photojournalist, Hsu started to focus on capturing dramatic presentations in 1992 when he was invited to work as a contributing photographer for Performing Arts Review, a monthly magazine published by the National Theater and Concert Hall.

While many photographers in this field prefer snapping shots of live shows, Hsu often documents rehearsals as he wants to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how productions are created. “During rehearsals, a director is not only a director but also an actor, becoming Romeo, Juliet and every other character in the play,” Hsu says. “Directors possess a state of mind and feel a level of stress that no one else understands.”

Through his images, the photographer attempts to capture the passion of choreographers and directors as they rehearse with their performers. “There’s a big world inside each small rehearsal room,” he notes.

Write to Jim Hwang at cyhuang03@mofa.gov.tw