Freeze, If Kids Theater Group's new play about a pig detective out to get Prince Charming's killer, premiers tonight at the National Theater Hall.
Written, directed and produced by the group's founder Strong Chao (趙自強), the play -- a detective mystery for children -- is said to be the first of its kind to hit the Taiwan stage.
The story begins with an opera troupe performing a version of Cinderella onstage. The clock strikes 12, and just as the horse-drawn chariot turns back into a mouse-drawn pumpkin, the lights go out, somebody screams and Prince Charming is murdered. Detective Pig arrives on the scene and immediately questions all the singers, technicians and even the audience members for any information on the prince's killer.
A bit violent for kids? Well, according to Chao, good intrigue is what youngsters are yearning for these days. With the insatiable curiosity that accompanies youth and the explosion of information going on in the world right now, questioning, probing and figuring things out as important to kids as iron and calcium.
And what better way to do that than to take part in the solving of a mystery? And by "take part" If Kids doesn't mean simply watch. The audience will actually become a part of the investigation process as Detective Pig goes about interrogating and collecting evidence.
The performance will not be limited to actors onstage -- it will include projections, voice-overs and excursions into the seating area as well, giving kids the opportunity to talk directly with Detective Pig.
Founded in 1999, If Kids Theater Group is dedicated to stimulating and fulfilling the dreams of Children. Its Web site proclaims, "If kids would have more joy because of this creativity ... Our dream has thereupon come true."
Performance notes:
What: Freeze (統統不許動), by `If Kids Theater Group' (如果兒童劇團)
Where: National Theater Hall, (國家戲劇院) 21-1 Zhongshan S Rd, Taipei (台中山南路21號之1)
When: Tonight and tomorrow at 7:30pm, tomorrow and Sunday at 10:30am and 2:30pm
Tickets: NT$350 to NT$1100, available through Artsticket outlets: (02) 3393 9888, www.artsticket.com.tw
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