Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe set for Southeast Asia tour

2015/08/14

An acrobatic performance group is set to promote Taiwan’s folk culture and soft power during a tour of four Southeast Asian nations starting Aug. 26, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Comprising members of Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe under Taipei City-based National Taiwan College of Performing Arts, the MOFA-organized tour will wrap up Sept. 10 after winding through Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

“This goodwill initiative is in line with government efforts to expand bilateral ties with Southeast Asian partners,” MOFA Vice Minister Vanessa Shih said at a media event Aug. 12 in Taipei City.

“Building on our youth ambassador program, Taiwan has seen significant results in growing cultural, economic, people-to-people and tourism exchanges. We look forward to furthering this initiative moving ahead.”

Following in footsteps of Ten Drum Art Percussion Group and O-Kai Singers over the last two years, Shih said the troupe is expected to deepen cultural connections with Taiwan throughout the region while taking mutual understanding and friendship to the next level.

“We envisage the show attracting increased attention this year as it combines athleticism with an innovative approach to spotlighting Taiwan’s diverse folk traditions. There is every reason to believe it will curry favor with audiences in Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur.”

According to the MOFA, the group is also scheduled to conduct a series of cultural exchange activities and workshops at Rangsit University during its stay in Thailand.

Founded in 1990, TAT is currently Taiwan’s only professional outfit dedicated to acrobatic performances.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=233794&ctNode=413)