Theater
Children Theater of Dance -- Pirouette (聖彼得堡兒童芭蕾舞團) performing pieces of New Nutcracker, Tarantella, Fly Tsokothua and a lot more. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (國父紀念館), 2F, 505, Renai Rd, Sec 4, Taipei (台北市仁愛路四段505號2樓) this weekend. Cultural Center of Hualien County (花蓮縣立文化中心), 6, Wenfu Rd, Hualien City (花蓮市文復路6號) on Jan. 18.
● Tickets NT$600 to NT$1,500 for Taipei; NT$400 to NT$1,200 for Hualien, through ERA ticketing.
● Tonight and Jan. 18 at 7:30pm; tomorrow at 2:30pm and 7:30pm; Sunday at 2:30pm
The Cross-Talk Performance by Wu Jan-nan and His Apprentices (天下吳男事 -- 2006吳兆南師徒聯展), featuring the Chinese stand-up comedian Wu jan-nan, Hou Guan-qun (侯冠群), Lang Zu-yun (郎祖筠) and others. Novel Hall (新舞台), 3-1 Sungshou Rd, Taipei (台北市松壽路3-1號).
● Tickets NT$400 to NT$1,200, through NTCH.
● Tonight at 7:30pm; tomorrow at 2:30pm and 7:30pm; Sunday at 2:30pm
Snow Queen (雪后與魔鏡), by Song Song Song Children's and Puppet Theater (九歌兒童劇團). Metropolitan Hall (城市舞台), 25, Bade Rd, Sec 3, Taipei (台北市八德路三段25號).
● Tickets NT$200 to NT$300.
Call (02) 2738 9859.
● Tonight, tomorrow and Sunday at 7:30pm
A Story of an Acrobatic Family (家族競技場). Red Playhouse (紅樓劇場), 10, Chengdu Rd, Taipei (台北市成都路10號).
● Tickets NT$500, through NTCH.
● Tonight at 7:30pm; tomorrow at 2:30pm and 7:30pm; Sunday at 2:30pm
Showcasing Forbidden Plays (禁戲匯演) featuring Peking opera performances that were previously banned. Taipei Zhongshan Hall(台北市中山堂), 98 Yenping S Rd, Taipei (台北市延平南路98號).
● Tickets NT$300 to NT$1,000, through ERA ticketing.
● Tonight and tomorrow at 7:30pm; Sunday at 2:30pm
Legend of the Knight (騎士傳說), the first Children's Irish tap dance production in Taiwan. National Chiang Kai-shek Cultural Center, Kaohsiung City (高雄中正文化中心), 67, Wufu 1st Rd, Kaohsiung City (高雄市五福一路67號).
● Tickets NT$400 to NT$1,600, through ERA ticketing.
● Tomorrow at 7:30pm
Sin (罪) by Shiu-Kim Taiwanese Opera Troupe (秀琴歌劇團). Performing Art Hall at Cultural Affairs Bureau of Taipei County (台北縣政府文化局演藝廳), 62, Zhuangjing Rd, Banqiao City, Taipei County (台北縣板橋市莊敬路62號).
● Tickets NT$200 to NT$800, through NTCH.
● Tomorrow at 7:30pm
Classical
Exquisite Folk Songs (經典世界名曲民謠), with Evergreen Symphony Orchestra performing music from Tchaikovsky, Smetana and others. National Concert Hall (國家音樂廳).
● Tickets NT$500 to NT$1,500, through ERA ticketing.
● Tonight at 7:30pm
Liu Shu-yuan Piano Recital (劉淑苑鋼琴音樂會), featuring music from Bach, Mozart, Ravel and others. Forum Auditorium (十方樂集), 4, Ln 187, Mintzu W Rd, Taipei (台北市民族西路187巷4號).
● Tickets NT$250. Call (02) 2593 5811.
● Tonight at 7:30pm
Ensemble -- Destin Musical 2006 (音緣樂集2006巡演 -- 德意志浪漫), featuring music from Beethoven, Brahms and others. National Recital Hall (國家演奏廳).
● Tickets NT$200 to NT$700, through ERA ticketing.
● Tonight at 7:30pm
Jazz Poetry Concert (爵士詩篇音樂會). Taipei Artist Village (台北國際藝術村), 7, Beiping E Rd, Taipei (台北市北平東路7號).
● Tickets NT$220. Call (02) 3393 7377.
● Tonight and tomorrow at 7:30pm
Fluctuation of Musical Tones (抑揚特出) by Chanson Chamber Music Band (香頌室內樂團). National Taiwan Arts Education Center(國立台灣藝術教育館), 47, Nanhai Rd, Taipei (台北市南海路47號).
● Free admission. Call (02) 2311 0574.
● Tomorrow at 7:30pm
Duo -- Vocal and Harpsichord (乘歌遐想), performing works by Handel, Giordani, Paisiello among others. National Recital Hall (國家演奏廳).
● Tickets NT$200 to NT$900, through NTCH.
● Monday at 7:30pm
The Opening Concert of the Mozart Series in 2006 (永遠的音樂神童莫札特系列 -- 開幕音樂會) by National Taiwan Symphony Orchesta. Novel Hall (新舞台), 3-1 Sungshou Rd, Taipei (台北市松壽路3-1號).
● Tickets NT$300 to NT$700, through NTCH.
● Tuesday at 7:30pm
Shiuen-Huang Tzeng Guitar Recital (現代抒情 -- 曾軒篁吉他獨奏會). National Recital Hall (國家演奏廳).
● Tickets NT$200 to NT$500, through NTCH.
● Tuesday at 7:30pm
Soviet -- End of the Disappearing World (狂飆俄羅斯 -- 沒入世界盡頭), performing works by Prokofiev. National Recital Hall (國家演奏廳).
● Tickets NT$350 and NT$500, through NTCH.
● Wednesday at 7:30pm
Liao Pei-jun and Xie Yu-zhen Duo Piano Concert (廖珮君與謝育臻雙鋼琴演奏會), featuring music from Poulenc, Chopin and others. National Recital Hall (國家演奏廳).
● Tickets NT$200 to NT$500, through NTCH.
● Thursday at 7:30pm
Rock, Pop and Jazz
Witch House (女巫店) features Natural Curl Band (自然捲樂團) tonight; Neon tomorrow; Peppermint Leaf (薄荷葉) on Thursday. 7, Ln 56, Xinsheng S Rd, Sec 3, Taipei (台北市新生南路三段56巷7號). Entrance NT$300.
Call (02) 2362 5494.
● Shows begin at 9:30pm
Riverside Cafe (河岸留言) presents Huang Rui-feng Super Jazz Night (黃瑞豐)Super Jazz Night) tonight; Oriental Express Mini Concert (東方快車mini concert) tomorrow; Samingad and Am Band (紀曉君& Am樂團) on Sunday; B.S.D and Bond (骨頭) on Tuesday; Tooth Cap (牙套) and Petite Nurse (小護士) on Wednesday; Zhang Xuan (張懸) and Totem (圖騰) on Thursday. B1, 2, Ln 244, Roosevelt Rd, Sec 3, Taipei (台北市羅斯福路三段244巷2號B1). Entrance NT$350 on weekends; NT$300 on weekdays.
Call (02) 2368 7310.
● All shows begin at 9:30pm
The Living Room (小客廳) features 88 Guava Seeds (八十八顆芭樂籽), The Deadly Vibes and .22 tonight; Punk2Funk with Sky Burial (天藏) and Jelly Beam tomorrow. 3F, 8, Nanjing E Rd, Sec 5, Taipei (台北市南京東路五段8號3樓).
● Entrance NT$150 . Call (02) 8787 4154.
● Shows begin at 10pm
Arts Center Soochow University (東吳大學游藝廣場) features indie pop acts Zhang Yu-wei (張羽偉) tonight; Mustard (芥末) tomorrow. 56, Guiyang St, Sec 1, Taipei (台北市貴陽街一段56號).
● Free admission. Call (02) 2311 1531
● Shows begin at 8pm
Second Floor (貳樓咖啡館) presents Sodagreen (蘇打綠), A-Gong Show (阿龔show), Ian Unplugged (江益源不插電) tomorrow. 1, Xueyuen Rd, Taipei on the second floor of the Guandu Arts Museum (台北市北投區學園路1號 -- 關渡美術館2樓). Free admission. Call (02) 2894 5861.
● Tomorrow at 8pm
Blue Note (藍調) features Uno Quartet (烏野薰爵士四重奏) every Tuesday; New Decision Quartet (爵心爵士樂團) every Thursday; Metamorphosis (變形蟲爵士樂團) every Friday; Jive Stakes and Gu Hao every Saturday. 4F, 171, Roosevelt Rd, Sec 3, Taipei (台北市羅斯福路三段171號4樓).
● Entrance is NT$300 on weekdays and NT$350 on weekends. Call (02) 2362 2333.
● All shows begin at 9:30pm
Exhibitions
Excellent Elegance That Transcends the Ages -- Li Feng Solo Exhibition (穿越時代的優雅 -- 李峰個展), a series of works of fine brushwork paintings. Chir Der Jyu Gallery (沁德居藝廊), 14, Ln 199, Shihyi Rd, Sec. 4 Taipei (台北市信義路四段199巷14號). Call (02) 2707 4086.
● Open Tuesday through Sunday from 12am to 8pm. Until Jan. 22
Movement in Stillness -- Selected Collection of Sloweig von Kleist (動靜之間 -- 旅法德裔藝術家索薇馮克蕾作品集), hand-drawn illustrations of a short animated film. BeFineArt Gallery (比劃比畫畫廊), 122-2, Renai Rd, Sec. 3, Taipei (台北市仁愛路三段122-2號). Call (02) 2702 7756.
● Open daily from 12pm to 7pm. Until Jan. 26
2005 Taipei Arts Award (台北美術獎), showcasing the best works from the annual contemporary arts competition. Taipei Fine Arts Museum (台北市立美術館), 181, Zhongshan N Rd, Sec 3, Taipei (台北市中山北路三段181號).
● Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Call (02) 2595 7656. Until March 19
Shaking in the Light and Heat of the Bohemian Forest: The First Meeting Between Heinrich Wang and Ajeto (激盪在波西米亞森林的光與熱 -- 王俠軍與Ajeto的第一次), a Western recreation of Eastern art. Tittot Glass Museum (璃園水晶博物館), 16, Ln 515, Zhongyang N Rd, Sec 4, Taipei (台北市中央北路四段515巷16號).
● Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm. Call (02) 2895 8861. Until Jan. 27
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A Dangerous Display: Scott Prairie -- The Journey Inside (危險的展覽), a solo exhibition of works and thoughts by Moving Sound's Scott Prairie. Chi-Wen Gallery (formally Taipei MOMA), 3F, 19, Ln 252, Dunhua S Rd, Sec 1, Taipei (台北市敦化南路一段252巷19號3樓). Call (02) 87713372.
● Open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11am to 7pm. Until Feb. 11
Imperial Delights: Prized Possessions from the Qing Imperial Collection (皇室珍玩). Astonishing Heaven: Ceramics, Jades, Ivory, Carvings, and Curio Boxes. Buddhist Sculpture through the dynasties (歷代佛像雕塑藝術展). Masterpieces of Jade (玉器精品展). A Special Exhibition of Sunghua Ink Stones (松花石硯特展). The National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院), 221, Zhishan Rd, Sec 2, Taipei (台北市至善路二段221號). Call (02) 2881 2021.
● Open Mondays through Sundays from 9am until 3pm. All exhibitions run until Jan 25.
Oceanic Taiwan -- A Dialogue Between the People and the Island (海洋台灣 -- 人民與島嶼的對話) and Treasures From the Central Plain of Ancient China (王朝密寶 -- 古中原考古文物展). National Museum of History (國立歷史博物館), 49, Nanhai Rd, Taipei (台北市南海路49號). Call (02) 2361 0270.
● Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Exhibitions run until Feb. 5 and Feb. 19 respectively
The Flux and Fracture of Building Culture -- National Taiwan Museum Architecture Exhibition (文化的流轉與斷層 -- 國立臺灣博物館的建築特展). The exhibition introduces architectural designs from one of Taiwan's oldest and most noteworthy museums. National Taiwan Museum (國立台灣博物館) 2, Xiangyang Rd, Taipei (台北市襄陽路2號). Call (02) 2382 2699.
● Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Until April 9
A Rare Glimpse of the Archives of the Grand Secretariat (內閣大庫展覽). Museum of the Institute of History and Philology, Academia Sinica (中央研究院歷史語言研究所歷史文物陳列館). 128, Yanjiuyuan Rd, Sec 2, Taipei (台北市研究院路二段128號). Call (02) 2652 3180.
● Open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:30am through 4:30pm. Until April 13
Vicky Chow's Fabled Paintings: Cosmic Waves in the Beginning and Sound Beyond the Chords (周舟寓畫: 太初弦波 渾沌畫語 象外弦音). Vicky Chow portrays the myth of the carrier canoe in contemporary art. Starts Studio (時空藝術會場) 1F, 28, Heping E. Rd, Sec.2, Taipei (台北市和平東路二段28號1樓).
● Open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm to 6pm. Call (02) 8369 1266. Until Jan 22
Pig the Superhero Drives Away Three Monsters (豬俠除三害), a special exhibition of Chinese puppetry by the Hsiaohsi Yuan Puppet Theater (小西園掌中劇團), with English-language programs and explanatory notes. Puppetry Art Center of Taipei (台北偶戲館) 2-4F, 99, Civil Blvd, Sec.5, Taipei 9 (台北市市民大道五段99號2-4樓). For performance times and to organize a private tour of the art center call (02) 2528 7955.
● Until Jan 20.
Border Crossing: The Shadow Dance of Cities (越界: 城市舞影展) features an eclectic mix of contemporary technological art from Taipei and Shanghai. Taipei Artist Village (台北國際藝術村) 7, Beiping E. Rd, Taipei (台北市北平東路7號). Call (02) 3393 7377.
● Open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 6pm. Until Jan. 22
Hakka Images: Chi Kuo-chang Photo Exhibition (家意像: 紀國章影像藝術展). Taipei Hakka Culture Gallery (台北客家文化藝廊) 6F, Taipei City Hall, 1, Shifu Rd, (台北 市市府路1號市政大廳6樓). Call (02) 2720 8889.
● Open Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm. Until May 31
International Healthy City: Special Exhibition (國際健康城市博覽會特展) looks at Taipei's image as a "vibrant international healthy city." Discovery Center of Taipei (台北探索館) 6F, Taipei City Hall, 1, Shifu Rd, (台北市市府路1號市政大廳6樓).
● Open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9am until 5pm. Call (02) 2725 8629. Until Feb. 28.
In the Future Or in the Past, a collage of memories. Nowhere (所在), 1, Ln 60, Xinsheng S Rd, Sec 3,Taipei (台北市新生南路三段60巷1號). Call (02) 2362 5241.
● Open Monday to Friday from 2pm to 2am, Saturday and Sunday, 12pm to 2am. Until Jan. 31
In late October of 1873 the government of Japan decided against sending a military expedition to Korea to force that nation to open trade relations. Across the government supporters of the expedition resigned immediately. The spectacle of revolt by disaffected samurai began to loom over Japanese politics. In January of 1874 disaffected samurai attacked a senior minister in Tokyo. A month later, a group of pro-Korea expedition and anti-foreign elements from Saga prefecture in Kyushu revolted, driven in part by high food prices stemming from poor harvests. Their leader, according to Edward Drea’s classic Japan’s Imperial Army, was a samurai
The following three paragraphs are just some of what the local Chinese-language press is reporting on breathlessly and following every twist and turn with the eagerness of a soap opera fan. For many English-language readers, it probably comes across as incomprehensibly opaque, so bear with me briefly dear reader: To the surprise of many, former pop singer and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) ex-lawmaker Yu Tien (余天) of the Taiwan Normal Country Promotion Association (TNCPA) at the last minute dropped out of the running for committee chair of the DPP’s New Taipei City chapter, paving the way for DPP legislator Su
It’s hard to know where to begin with Mark Tovell’s Taiwan: Roads Above the Clouds. Having published a travelogue myself, as well as having contributed to several guidebooks, at first glance Tovell’s book appears to inhabit a middle ground — the kind of hard-to-sell nowheresville publishers detest. Leaf through the pages and you’ll find them suffuse with the purple prose best associated with travel literature: “When the sun is low on a warm, clear morning, and with the heat already rising, we stand at the riverside bike path leading south from Sanxia’s old cobble streets.” Hardly the stuff of your
Located down a sideroad in old Wanhua District (萬華區), Waley Art (水谷藝術) has an established reputation for curating some of the more provocative indie art exhibitions in Taipei. And this month is no exception. Beyond the innocuous facade of a shophouse, the full three stories of the gallery space (including the basement) have been taken over by photographs, installation videos and abstract images courtesy of two creatives who hail from the opposite ends of the earth, Taiwan’s Hsu Yi-ting (許懿婷) and Germany’s Benjamin Janzen. “In 2019, I had an art residency in Europe,” Hsu says. “I met Benjamin in the lobby