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Taiwanese indigenous performers to join virtual arts convention in the U.S.

  • Date:2020-10-06~2020-11-30
Taiwanese indigenous performers to join virtual arts convention in the U.S.

A total of eight Taiwanese indigenous performing arts groups will partake in 2020 Western Arts Alliance Conference, a four-day virtual convention of arts professionals from around the world, through the online platform "Taiwan Showcase" from Oct. 6 to 9.

Launched by Taiwan Academy in Los Angeles, Taiwan Showcase designed to highlight singer-songwriters Sangpuy, Anu Kaliting Sadipongan, Chalaw Pasiwali, and a cappella group O-KAI Singers, as well as contemporary dance troupes Tjimur Dance Theatre, Kuo-Shin Chuang Pangcah Dance Theatre, TAI Body Theatre, and Bulareyaung Dance Company.

Under the theme "Life and Vitality of Indigenous Taiwan," the platform aims to showcase the artists' performances inspired by the indigenous literature and history, in addition to spotlighting how the indigenous community has nurtured the artistic and cultural fires of the artists through detailed introductions and videos of their performances online.

Moreover, apart from promoting the artists, who are all with international performance experiences, the website sheds light on how the indigenous community transforms cultural context and contemporary issues into performances, offering a glimpse of the efforts it has made to rebuild the relationship between people and nature.

To gain greater exposure for the artists, Taiwan Showcase will remain valid throughout November.

In light of the COVID-19 triggered challenges encountering the performing arts sector, the conference will close on Oct. 9 with four virtual workshops, one of which will explore what it will take to re-open venues as well as new operational protocols for venues, viewers, and artists.

Titled "Re-Opening & Getting to Work - A Look Forward," the event will feature art industry veterans including Ann Yi-ruu Liu (劉怡汝), General and Artistic Director of National Theater & Concert Hall, artist Cole Huling of performing group The Handsome Little Devils, Executive Director Anna Glass of American ballet company Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Executive Director John Zirkle of Montana-based Warren Miller Performing Arts Center.

Through pre-recorded panel conversation and live Q&A, Liu will share her thoughts and hard-won experience on COVID-19 prevention for performances and exhibitions in Taiwan.

Established in 1967, WAA is membership association of touring and performing arts professionals engaged in promoting and presenting performing arts throughout the western United States, according to the Portland-based organization's website.

Each year, the WAA Annual Conference convenes in a different western city in the United States, bringing together presenters, agents, artists, and performing arts practitioners from around the west and beyond, the association says.

Due to health concerns related to the pandemic, the 2020 WAA Annual Conference will take place online. To learn more about the event, click here.