Supported by the Taipei Cultural Center in New York, the Shinehouse Theatre (曉劇場) is set to make its U.S. debut with “The Whisper of the Wave (潮來之音)” at the Soho Playhouse from Jan. 24 to Feb. 2. This event marks the first time a Taiwanese theatrical troupe will perform at the prestigious venue.
Located in Manhattan, New York, the Soho Playhouse is a historic institution that hosts the International Fringe Encore Series every year, inviting top fringe productions from around the world to showcase their works.
Directed by Chung Po-yuan (鍾伯淵), “The Whisper of the Wave” features Emiko Agatsuma, a Butoh dancer and choreographer. It is inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2011 East Japan earthquake. The production blends elements of Taiwanese folk beliefs to dig into human nature of “love, loneliness, and existence” through the prediction of disaster.
Shinehouse Theatre highlighted that each story in the production emphasizes the symbolic interplay of waves emerging and receding, exploring contemporary issues such as pet ownership and surrogate parenting. The performance also reflects the cultural richness and depth of Taiwan’s artistic landscape.
The Taipei Cultural Center in New York noted that language barriers and high costs pose significant challenges for Taiwanese groups seeking to perform overseas. The center expressed hope that Shinehouse Theatre’s New York debut will help Taiwanese contemporary theater break into the international market and demonstrate its creative excellence to global audiences.
For more information, visit the Soho Playhouse’s website.