Tainan museum stages Shakespeare exhibition

2015/10/01

An exhibition commemorating the life and work of William Shakespeare 400 years after his death kicked off Sept. 30 in southern Taiwan’s Tainan City.

Held at National Museum of Taiwan Literature, the event features 12 historic pieces loaned by U.K.-based Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. These include a 16th century writing desk, a bust of the Englishman, a model of a theater from his day, copies of the dramatist and poet’s sonnets, porcelain printed with characters from his works and the 1709 edited edition of the bard’s plays by Nicholas Rowe.

NMTL Director Chen Yi-yuan said Sept. 22 that the exhibition aims to let locals learn more about Shakespeare and his contribution to world literature. “The pieces we have specially brought in will help foster a greater understanding of the background of his marvelous masterpieces.”

Another eye-catching part of the event is a display of Taiwan adaptations of Shakespeare’s dramas. It features costumes, photographs, posters and stage props of the plays performed by such local troupes as Contemporary Legend Theater and I Wan Jan Glove Puppet Theater. The former modified Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” into a Beijing opera in 2004, while the latter staged a version of “Henry IV” at the 2002 Taipei Arts Festival.

Perng Ching-hsi, an emeritus professor of foreign languages and literature at Taipei City-based National Taiwan University, said Shakespeare’s works are artistically satisfying and thought-provoking at the same time. “His plays challenge actors and directors, allowing the infusion of Eastern elements to produce fresh takes on time-honored tales.”

Echoing Perng’s remarks, exhibition curator Liang Wen-ching said Shakespeare inspired many talents in Taiwan. “Local dramatists started interpreting his works in Holo or Mandarin beginning 1949. This struck a chord with audiences and cemented Shakespeare’s place as major force of creative influence in Taiwan.”

Liang, who is also an assistant professor of foreign languages and literature at Hsinchu City-based National Tsing Hua University, said the fact that homegrown troupes continue trying to deliver more renditions of Shakespeare’s work underscores the vibrancy of Taiwan’s drama scene.

Running through Jan. 3, 2016, the exhibition features a full schedule of related activities like lectures by 18 talents from various fields on their views of Shakespeare’s works and experiences in adaptation.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=237161&ctNode=2194&mp=9)