As part of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre's European tour in November and December, they will be performing their dance production "13 Tongues (十三聲)" in multiple cities in France and Spain, surpassing the important milestone of delivering 100 performances of the production.
According to a press release issued by the Cloud Gate, Artistic Director Cheng Tsung-lung (鄭宗龍)'s "13 Tongues" made its debut in 2016 at the National Theater Hall. The work was inspired by Cheng's memories of one legendary 1960s street artist and storyteller known as "Thirteen Tongues" in Taipei's oldest district, Bangka. Chen incorporated the distinct soundscapes of Taiwan into the performance, which can be regarded as one of Cloud Gate's most Taiwanese-centric works. The soundscapes include temple chants, street cries, and Hengchun folk song, among others.
Before embarking on their European tour, the dance troupe will showcase Cheng's piece at the plaza between the National Theater and Concert Hall in Taipei on July 15, followed by a performance at the plaza in front of Taichung City Hall on July 22. Starting in August, the Cloud Gate will also present eight shows to engage with residents in four local communities around Taiwan. The performances will take place at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Taichung, a gymnasium in Nangan Township on the Matsu Islands, the Longgang Forest Park in Taoyuan, and the Kinmen County Stadium.
Cloud Gate has toured worldwide with frequent engagements at the Next Wave Festival in New York, the Sadler's Wells Theatre in London, the Moscow Chekhov International Theatre Festival in Russia, the Movimentos International Dance Festival and the Internationales Tanzfest NRW directed by Pina Bausch in Germany.