National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying) Practices the Idea of Connection through Several Dimensions

After the lively celebration of Weiwuying’s 2nd anniversary in the last quarter of 2020, the centre is steadily moving forward to carry out its aim of connecting arts, lives and people. The idea of Connection has been implemented both virtually and physically – the 2020 Weiwuying International Symposium was held in an online format and nearly 800 audiences joined in the event. The centre has also introduced its first Artist-In-Residence, CHOU Shu-yi, who has presented several performances, including a VR work Afterimage for Tomorrow, and a mobile application creation Weiwuying ONE Minute VR Stage and a site-specific work The Memory Overture of Strolling in the Park. CHOU also moved his living base to Kaohsiung and expects to promote the city throughout his observation and conversation with locals.

See what you have missed at Weiwuying’s 2nd Anniversary  
(https://fb.watch/1NY4cp4zm4/) 

Download and experience Weiwuying ONE Minute VR Stage here  
Google Play https://bit.ly/3iS2Y6A 
Apple Store apple.co/2YgO025 

In 2021, the centre will continue to unveil the thinking of “connecting” behind its artistic planning and programming as well as uphold the philosophy of creating an arts centre for everyone by removing all obstacles and providing a platform for artists and the public to meet each other, interact, and exchange ideas freely.  

In the first half of 2021, Weiwuying has prepared more excellent programmes and events. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has put a halt to international traveling, Weiwuying is hoping to present the flagship programme VERDI La Traviata, which is a simple tale of love. The production depicts a courtesan who abandons her lavish lifestyle for true love only for it all to slip away as she perishes from tuberculosis. Following that, we will have Paradise Interrupted (2018), Turandot (2019, 2020) and War Requiem (2020), Weiwuying’s General and Artistic Director CHIEN Wen-pin will lead a performance given by a cast of top Taiwanese vocalists accompanied by a Kaohsiung based orchestra and chorus. 

As Weiwuying has won many awards internationally and nationally, it is not only a performing arts centre but can also be considered a “Living Room” for all. During the Chinese Lunar New Year in mid-February, one of the most popular festivals in Asian Society, the centre will organise a series of public performances, including the well-known percussion group Tendrum who will showcase the essence of Taiwan local art and nature; Let’s Opera, the iconic programme that demonstrates Weiwuying’s central idea of a centre for all will encourage cultural equality in real practice.  

Apart from the theatre-going scheme, the centre is also making efforts on rooting the arts in youth activities. The two flagship Learning and Participation programmes: Aesthetic Education and Theatre Arts and Education Project has achieved the milestones of quality and quantity. More than 20,000 students were brought into theatre by Aesthetic Education, and Theatre Arts and Education Project, triggering the first play reading performance by high school students in Taiwan. In 2021, the projects will aim to extend from one performing form to various performing types. 

For more information, please visit www.npac-weiwuying.org or click the link https://bit.ly/2q2OyuK to view Jan – Jun 2021’s Programme Guide.