In collaboration with the Cultural Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Spain, Bare Feet Dance Theatre (壞鞋子舞蹈劇場) will represent Taiwan to participate in Fira Mediterrània de Manresa, a performing arts fair in Catalonia, Spain on Oct. 9.
The troupe members that will join the show include the artistic director and choreographer Lin I-chin (林宜瑾), dancers Liu Chun-te (劉俊德), Liu Yun (劉昀), producer Lin Chih-yang (林志洋), and stage manager Lin Yu-quan (林育全). The theatre will perform "An Eternity Before and After (渺生)" inspired by a traditional Taiwanese folk custom called "Soul Guiding," which is a funeral rite serving to lead the soul of the deceased to the Land of Bliss.
Nominated for the Taishin Arts Award in 2019, "An Eternity Before and After" reflects one's existence with slight vibrations, breaking down and recreating the structure of time and space through spiral motion with the choreographer's comprehension of life and soul. Through minimalistic and repetitive movement, the piece explores the dialectic between the body and consciousness and attempts to demonstrate the charm of Taiwanese contemporary dance.
Founded in 2014, Bare Feet Dance Theatre develops its style by conducting field research to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan's traditional culture, rituals, and landscapes. The troupe aims to build a team perspective that connects with local culture and reflects its core value.
Fira Mediterrània de Manresa focuses on forming associations between traditional, popular culture, and intangible heritage, as well as connecting with modern society through all kinds of artistic languages. According to the Cultural Division of TECO in Spain, as Fira Mediterrània de Manresa is one of the biggest art festivals in Catalonia, the theatre’s participation in the festival will increase Taiwan’s visibility and initiate further cultural exchanges.