Taiwan mime finds power of healing through art

2015/08/12

A mime festival showcasing the therapeutic power of performance art is underway at Huashan 1914 Creative Park in Taipei City, offering alternative treatment for children with behavioral problems or traumatic pasts.

Staged by Yao Sun-teck, founder of Taipei-based L’Enfant S. Physical Theater, the event draws heavily upon personally tried-and-tested techniques for overcoming sexual abuse as a child.

“I only achieved inner peace after rediscovering my confidence through mime,” he said. “I was mentally and physically insecure, unable to trust and incapable of engaging in close relationships throughout my formative years.”

The turning point came when Yao journeyed to Paris after graduating from Chiayi County-based National Chung Cheng University in southern Taiwan. There he chanced upon a pantomime workshop and became a student of maestro Etienne Decroux’s corporal dramatic technique.

“In fulfilling the physical requirements of mime, I came to terms with my large frame that had long made me a figure of fun,” he said. “I was praised for being unique and finally appreciated as the person that I am.”

Inspired by his creative experiences, Yao began using mime to help orphans and problem children four years ago when he embarked on a performance tour in mainland China supported by Cloud Gate Dance Theater of Taiwan.

“In the remote mountains of Guangxi province, I encountered a group of youngsters befallen by family tragedies. But through practicing mime, they learned to open their hearts and relax their bodies. Eventually they found a new purpose in life.”

Employing the same healing technique with schoolchildren in Taiwan, Yao said the changes have been astounding. “At times I would see these students displaying violent tendencies when interacting with each other. I started wondering if I could restore their innocence in a world surrounded by all kinds of negative messages.”

With the answer a resounding “yes,” Yao wasted no time in using the Huashan festival as a larger stage to show that joys of childhood can be rediscovered by people of all ages through the innocence of mime.

“It is a direct interaction between body and mind. By building the connection, you learn to use your imagination and start interacting with people around you. That is the first step to start changing your life for the better,” he added.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=233663&ctNode=413)