1st night market-themed show launched in Taiwan

2014-11-12

Taiwan’s first night market-inspired production is set to kick off Nov. 11 at Ziqiang in Hualien County, showcasing the value of new artistic techniques in unusual venues.

Staged by Taipei City-based drama troupe Prototype Paradise, Night Market Theatre runs for five days in the eastern Taiwan county. Its subject material draws upon everyday life and aims to help the public see the performing arts in a fresh light.

Troupe founder Yoyo Kung said night markets play an important role in local culture and are a great source of creative inspiration. “Since the establishment of the group four years ago, we have sought to leave behind the confines of the stage and take our performances to the people.”

According to Kung, the shows offer nourishment for the soul. “The high level of actor-audience interaction is sure to win the hearts and minds of those craving something more substantial than a mouthwatering snack,” she said.

Echoing Kung’s remarks, show director Joshua Sofaer of the U.K. said he was deeply touched by Taiwan’s night market culture when he visited the country in 2012.

“Each of the stalls in a market is a miniature mobile theater offering a unique drama as the operators serve their signature dishes,” he said. “We seek to recreate this experience in our own stall staffed by eight performers serving up bite-sized performances like a personal story, quirky song or magic trick.”

Kung said if the shows prove palatable, she is considering taking the event to other parts of Taiwan. “This is a special performance deserving a wider audience hankering for some hearty artistic fare.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=223881&CtNode=413)