Taiwan video and theater artist Yu Cheng-ta will present two filmed artworks exploring desire and queer identity in September at Paris’ Centre Pompidou, according to the Ministry of Culture Aug. 31.
Screening Sept. 13, “Tell Me What You Want” is a series of short mockumentaries that follow David—a fictional character—as he tours the nightclubs of a district in Manila and examines the desires that arise when a visitor encounters an exotic culture and makes friends. The show is followed by Yu and French actor Manuel Blanc reciting monologues and poems created from David’s perspective.
Yu is joined by Berlin-based Singapore artist Ming Wong for the Sept. 27 presentation of “Watermelon Love” at the multicultural complex’s Prospectif Cinema. In the 10-minute video, the two men dress up as the flamboyant Watermelon sisters to explore queer identity through dance and rap performances.
Born 1983 in Tainan in southern Taiwan, Yu is a versatile artist who uses film, improvisational performance and theater to explore the diverse interactions and relationships between people, the MOC said. His work has been showcased in international festivals including the 53rd International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale in 2009.
The screenings at France’s premier cultural venue are sponsored by the Taiwan Cultural Center in Paris. (CPY-E)
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