With the support from Ministry of Culture, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre will launch its first post-pandemic overseas tour this October. The tour features the current Artistic Director Cheng Tsung-lung (鄭宗龍)'s "13 Tongues (十三聲)," a well-reputed production since its 2016 premiere in Taiwan which has toured in France, the UK, Germany, Sweden and China. Due to the pandemic, the 2020 US Tour was postponed until now. The company will present 10 performances in Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and Chicago.
"13 Tongues" is acclaimed by The Times as "A sensationally big, indulgent and visually arresting expression of cultural memory." This work is inspired by Cheng’s memories of one legendary 1960s street artist and storyteller known as "Thirteen Tongues" in Taipei's oldest district, Bangka. Cheng explores those ancient Taiwanese superstitions, religious rites, and cultural memories fading over time. The production team members include music artist Lim Giong (林強), art designer Ho Chia-hsing (何佳興), lighting designer Shen Po-hung (沈柏宏), projection designer Ethan Wang (王奕盛), costume designer Lin Bing-hao (林秉豪), and voice coach Tsai Pao-chang (蔡柏璋).
Founded in 1973 by internationally renowned choreographer Lin Hwai-min (林懷民), Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan is the first full-time professional dance company in Taiwan, as well as the first contemporary dance company in the greater Chinese-speaking community. Being wildly praised by both critics and audiences, Cloud Gate has toured worldwide with frequent engagements at major international festivals and performing arts venues. It received the Stef Stefanou Award for Outstanding Company at the 2018 National Dance Awards. Cloud Gate also performs constantly throughout Taiwan and has become part of Taiwan’s cultural scenery and people’s collective memories.