Chinese Name: 差事劇團
Founded: 1996
Founder: Chung Chiao (鍾喬)
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/assignment.fans/?locale=zh_TW
Did You Know That…?
The Assignment Theatre’s theatrical production “Those Days, Those Brotherhoods (范天寒和他的弟兄們)” garnered a nomination for the 17th Taishin Arts Award (台新藝術獎) in 2019. By weaving together the threads of Hakka social movements that emerged after the lifting of martial law in Taiwan, this production delves into political oppression during the White Terror of the 1950s and juxtaposes it with the textile workers’ strike of 1989.
Established in 1996, the Assignment Theatre has adopted the training methods and theoretical system of “People’s Theatre” to integrate local history and life experience and to explore theatrical forms of performance aesthetics in modern theater. The troupe also hosts regular community and educational workshops to build platforms for collaboration with schools, neighborhoods, and marginalized groups. These initiatives aim to cultivate an inclusive theatrical environment where every voice can be heard. Additionally, the troupe actively engages in international exchanges with practitioners of People’s Theatre from various Asian countries. This cross-cultural dialogue allows for a rich exploration of diverse artistic philosophies within theatrical art.
The founder of the Assignment Theatre is Chung Chiao, who is a playwright, director, and theatre critic. In his early years, Chung focused on literary creation, crafting his works that resonate with profound empathy for society’s underprivileged individuals while offering sharp critiques of contemporary life. He believes theater has a stronger appeal and influence, as it can provoke critical thought and inspire meaningful action through compelling storytelling and dynamic performances.
Therefore, Chung established the Assignment Theatre in 1996 with a group of like-minded partners. His goal was to create a theater company that could engage with society, reflect the social realities, protest against injustice, and contribute to social change through theater arts.
With its distinct left-wing perspective, the Assignment Theatre offers a compelling lens through which to examine the historical narrative of political oppression during the White Terror period in 1950s Taiwan. Notable works include “Men and Women - Variations on the Song of the Covered Wagon (人間男女──幌馬車變奏曲, 2016),” “Those Days, Those Brotherhoods (2018),” and “A Wall inside a Play (戲中壁, 2020)”
In the realm of artistic expression, the Assignment Theatre blends diverse artistic forms to create captivating theatrical experiences. By integrating elements of traditional opera, modern dance, and multimedia into its performances, the troupe forges unique theatrical aesthetics that challenge conventional boundaries.
Moreover, the troupe is not merely content with its own creative endeavors; it actively seeks collaboration with other individual artists or art groups. A prime example of this cross-cultural synergy is the production “Declassify Pandora (解密．潘朵拉),” which brought together talented artists from Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea.
The Assignment Theatre worked together with Japanese cellist Sakamoto Hiromichi (坂本弘道), Korean performers and stage designers, and Taiwanese traditional performance group Chio-Tian Folk Drums & Art Troupe (九天民俗劇團) to create “Declassify Pandora.” The piece incorporates the elements of Eastern and Western mythology and virtuality in cyber space, delving into economic inequality and human dilemma that arise in a technology-driven world.
In addition to regular stage performances, the Assignment Theatre also holds theater workshops across Taiwan in partnership with local communities. For instance, the troupe helped establish a workshop for the victims of the Jiji Earthquake in 1999 in the Shigang region of Taichung City and further supported local female residents in forming the Shigang Mama Theater (石岡媽媽劇團). The long-term collaboration between the two theaters empowers people to move beyond trauma and rebuild mental stability in the disaster-stricken Hakka settlement.
Furthermore, the Assignment Theatre worked with the residents of Taixi Village in Dacheng Township (大城鄉), Changhua County (彰化縣), which is an area significantly impacted by air pollution from a large petrochemical plant. From 2014 to 2016, the troupe launched a testimonial theater project that allowed local people to share their own stories on stage.
In the field of Taiwanese performing arts, the Assignment Theatre holds significant importance. It is not only a performing group but also a passionate advocate for social issues. Through the power of theater, the troupe addresses societal concerns, challenges authority, and gives a voice to vulnerable people. Since its inception, the troupe has made a name for itself in Taiwan’s theater scene with its clear stance, unique style, and deep commitment to public values.