EX-Theater Asia boosts Miaoli’s artistic spirit

2015/09/01

A bold experimental theater program by locally based EX-Theater Asia is helping transform Miaoli County into a hub of emerging arts in northern Taiwan.

Comprising a dramatic adaptation of Irish playwright John Millington Synge’s “Rider to the Sea” and reinterpretations of “The Sound of a Voice” by American David Henry Hwang, the program is winning legions of fans to an avant-garde concept of theater growing in popularity around the world.

The new version of “Rider to the Sea” substitutes Western names, places and religion with local Hakka culture, and links the old story about struggles against relentless cruelty of the sea to current social problems in Miaoli. It also features video interviews with young people expressing their concerns and frustrations with everyday life.

Similarly intriguing is “The Sound of a Voice,” centering on extravagant physical movements and metaphorical lines. These strengthen the implicit desire and desperation for love in two lonely people, as well as turn the original play’s samurai character into a commoner.

EXTA Executive Director Lin Pei-ann said the shows reflect the fertile cultural landscape of the region. “My goal is to bring contemporary experimental arts to Miaoli and help lay the foundations for the revival of local traditional performances.

“This commitment is reflected in the name of the troupe. EX signifies experimenting, exchanging, extending and expertise, while Asia is the origin of its performance style and texts,” she added.

Founded in 2006 by Lin and her husband Chongtham Jayanta Meetei, EXTA has bagged a swag of honors in prestigious competitions like Taishin Arts Award in 2012 and 2013, as well performing at World Stage Design in U.K. two years ago.

The couple has been extremely active on the theatrical front in Lin’s hometown, establishing EX-Studio last year. The unadorned performance space and black walls enable audiences to better focus on actors’ creative physical movements without distractions.

“Rider to the Sea,” which wrapped up a three-day run Aug. 30 at EX-Studio, was well-received, Lin said, adding that she hopes “The Sound of a Voice” is similarly successful when it opens Sept. 18 at the same venue.

EXTA is also taking “Rider to the Sea” on the road, with special shows at National Yuanli Senior High School Sept. 9 and Yu Da University of Science and Technology Sept. 10, both in Miaoli.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=234405&ctNode=413)