Two works from Taiwan - "Go Paiwan (去排灣)" and "La XXX Punk (拉什麼龐克)" - will be presented on May 20 to 21 at Dance Festival München (DANCE). These works are part of a concentrated dance program from Taiwan that features live performances, video installations, film screenings, lectures, and artist talks.
"Go Paiwan," a captivating dance production by Tjimur Dance Theatre (摩爾古薪舞集), intertwines traditional songs and melodies with expressive movements. Seeking a deep connection with the community, the performers convey the essence of the indigenous Paiwan people through their bodies in a mesmerizing fusion of music and dance. Notably, Tjimur Dance Theatre, with support from Taiwan's Ministry of Culture, will also unveil the first-ever Taiwanese dance movie titled "bulabulay mun? (How are you?)." This cinematic creation brings historical events to life by featuring both professional dancers and local residents in its powerful performances.
Established in 2006, Tjimur Dance Theatre holds the distinction of being Taiwan's first dance company dedicated to showcasing the contemporary cultural aesthetic of the indigenous Paiwan community.
Adding to the diverse program, Taiwanese artist Fangas Nayaw (陳彥斌) will present the "La XXX Punk," a four-channel video installation. This unique creation adopts a counterfactual model to reconstruct four different aspects of Amis culture, respectively in each channel: song and dance rituals, everyday living, ancestral portraits, and kinship remembrances.
Founded in 1987, DANCE is one of the oldest dance festivals in Germany. Entering its 18th edition this year, the biennial festival curates a focus on dance from Taiwan. Alongside "La XXX Punk" and "Go Paiwan," the solo performance "FreeSteps – NiNi" by HORSE (驫舞劇場) has already been showcased in public spaces on May 11 and 12 during the festival.