National Taichung Theater: Offering Stabilisation Remedy and Maintaining Momentum for Creation
In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, the National Taichung Theater (NTT) has launched a two-year (2020-2021) special programme to support and stand by performing arts workers and groups who have been impacted by the coronavirus, hoping they will be able to overcome the difficulties. The goal of this special programme is to “offer stabilisation remedy and maintain momentum for creation.” With the assistance from the NTT, it is hoped that artists and theatre workers can gather momentum for the future of Taiwan’s performing arts during this “intermission.”
The NTT is a core venue to develop Taiwan’s technology / new media arts. The new Arts Incubator Project provides technology arts creators with funding and a studio / stage to demonstrate their works. Thus, the period most affected by the pandemic outbreak is turned into a time for creative incubation. In addition, the auditions for artists-in–residence and emerging artists have been held earlier than planned, so artists will gain access to the resources from experimentation to realisation.
One of the NTT’s priorities is to cultivate theatre technicians, so as to enrich the theatre talent pool. To retain theatre talent, the NTT has actively created performance and job opportunities for theatre workers. For example, staff from the NTT’s Technical and Production Department has led freelance theatre technicians to help partner venues maintain their theatres and provide on-job training. The time slots originally reserved for performances are now used for training courses for technician education, and participants are encouraged to obtain international certificates afterwards. Moreover, training courses on accessible environment and case studies are offered to part-time ushers and volunteers to improve and fine-tune NTT’s customer services.
NTT’s training course organised for theatre technicians
The NTT has commenced a series of theatre digitalisation projects. For instance, the NTT has launched the online arts learning platform, and the content includes lectures, interviews, analysis of selected Taiwan classic performances, and trivia facts about the arts. Moreover, the NTT Online Cinema will present the classics by Taiwanese performing groups. In addition to the digital platforms, the NTT has responded efficiently to facilitate the cancellation / postponement of performances and adjust the schedules and provide marketing resources. It also helps performing groups establish an Electronic Press Kit, so as better prepare them to link up with the international community.
As the virus outbreak in Taiwan has been gradually contained, the NTT hopes to encourage the public to return to the theatre and be moved by live performances again. In the summer (July to August), the NTT will launch Summer Fun Time, which includes three topics: Oh! NTT Musicals, Puppetry and Object Theater, and Summer Selections. Nine of Taiwan’s marvellous performances will be presented in summer, to name a few, Taiwan Hólíwood, an original musical featuring the figures and stories of the golden age of Taiwanese-language movies in the 1960s; One Day with Death, a drama that uses objects and puppets to discuss the issue of death for children; FengShen Baobao and Uncle Wukong’s Journey to the Underworld, a family drama suitable for both parents and children. Aside from the indoor performances, the NTT has planned various outdoor activities, including small concerts and performances at the Sky Garden, hoping they can serve as a prelude to welcome the audience back to the theater.
Taiwan Hólíwood
One Day with Death
FengShen Baobao and Uncle Wukong’s Journey to the Underworld