How can traditional performing arts be revived and appreciated in the future?
The dance piece Pan Xian contemplates the latent need for faith and deities in folk culture, while also highlighting the impact of current social movements in Taiwan. This work interlaces historical memories, issues of gender identities, traditional arts, and its ceremonial framework.
In Pan Xian, choreographer Huang Huai-Te reexamines a particular ceremonial practice within the Xique (traditional Han opera) culture and Taoist ritual. Like other fading forms of performance, Pan Xian, which serves as an opening act for opera, is heavily influenced by modern media. Borrowing a comforting form of ritual, Pan Xian recreates an opportunity for both the artist and the audience to engage in a dialogue with tradition and rediscover the possible meaning of culture.
Credits:
Choreographer/Music Director: Huang Huai-Te
Administrator: Chuang Ping-Heng
Performers: Fang I-Sung, Kao Chih-Cheng, Chuang Yueh, Chen Yu-Hsiang, Huang Bo-Yu, Tsou Ying-Lin, Hsieh Kuang-Yu
Lighting Designer: Lin Cho
Props Designer : Huang Li-Ying
Costume Designer: Li Yu-Sheng
Composer: Ho, Hong-Chi (Senior Member of Ju Percussion Group)
Music Source: Chen Guan-Hua Folk Music Ensemble, JU Percussion Group
Music Executor: Liu Po-Yin
Administrative Staff: Lin Chih-Yu
Rehearsal Assistant: Chao Yi-Ying
Special thanks to: Second Brother of Wufengxuan (Xingang, Chiayi), Taipei Performing Arts Center, National Taiwan University of Arts
Sponsor:
Huang Huai-Te
A dancer and a choreographer, founder of Dashing Theater. Through Dashing Theater, he aims to create absorbing and engaging images with dance by interweaving Taiwanese historical memories with contemporary issues. Huang’s concerns include: how to connect people with dance, and how to bring their attention to societal issues through dance. Before the establishment of Dashing Theater in 2020, Huang was a dancer and choreographer at Horse Dance Theater and also a resident choreographer for Cloud Gate 2 in 2015 and 2017.