Theater & dance
Department of Fun (笑傻樓) by Taipei Quyi Troupe (台北曲藝團) features renowned cross-talk (相聲), or Chinese stand-up comedy, artists who find humor in everyday-life situations. The lineup includes theater veteran Fan Guang-yao (樊光耀) and cross-talk comedians Liu Tseng-kai (劉增鍇) and Chu Te-kang (朱德剛).
■ Novel Hall (新舞臺), 3-1 Songshou Rd, Taipei City (台北市松壽路3-1號)
■ Tonight at 7:30pm, tomorrow at 2:30pm and 7:30pm and Sunday
at 2:30pm
■ Tickets are NT$400 to NT$1,000, available through ERA ticketing or online at www.ticket.com.tw
Human Condition IV — The Same Moonlight? (人間條件四 — 一樣的月光) is the latest installment of Green Ray Theater’s (綠光劇團) Human Condition series. Written and directed by Wu Nien-jen (吳念真), the play centers on the lives of two sisters, one who works as a cleaner, the other at an international company.
■ Metropolitan Hall (城市舞台), 25, Bade Rd Sec 3, Taipei City (台北市八德路三段25號)
■ Tonight at 7:30pm, tomorrow at 2:30pm and 7:30pm and Sunday
at 2:30pm
■ Tickets are NT$500 to NT$3,000, available through NTCH ticketing or online at www.artsticket.com.tw
A collaboration between Taiwanese artist Sun Chuo-tai (孫梲泰) and American choreographer Casey Avaunt, Electron (電子) by 8213 Physical Dance Theater (8213肢體舞蹈劇場) addresses the alienation brought about by technology through simplified and functional movements and dance techniques. [See story on Page 14.]
■ Guling Street Theater (牯嶺街小劇場), 2, Ln 5, Guling St, Taipei City (台北市牯嶺街5巷2號)
■ Tonight at 7:30pm, tomorrow at 2:30pm and 7:30pm and Sunday
at 2:30pm
■ Tickets are NT$280, available
through NTCH ticketing or online at www.artsticket.com.tw
A rendition of the Oscar-winning Alan Ball play of the same title, Five Women Wearing the Same Dress by Ren Shin Theatre (仁信合作社) is a comedy set at a wedding in the countryside near Tainan where five bridesmaids must confront their own desires and attitudes toward life.
■ Theater of the National Taiwan University (國立台灣大學台大劇場), 1, Roosevelt Rd Sec 4, Taipei City (台北市羅斯福路四段1號)
■ Tonight at 7:30pm, tomorrow at 2:30pm and 7:30pm and Sunday
at 2:30pm
■ Tickets are NT$360, available
through NTCH ticketing or online at www.artsticket.com.tw
Classical music
The Glorious Germania: April 1879, in Portschach, Blue Sky (NSO狂飆日耳曼 — 1878年4月在貝加合 天氣晴) sees the National Symphony Orchestra (國家交響樂團) under Gunther Herbig perform a program that includes Chien Nan-chang’s (錢南章) Dragon Dance (龍舞) and Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77 and Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73. The concert features violinist Vadim Repin.
■ Today at 7:30pm
■ National Concert Hall, Taipei City
■ Tickets are NT$400 and NT$1,500, available through NTCH ticketing or online at www.artsticket.com.tw
NSO Classics: Mahler No. 9 (NSO精選 — 馬勒第九) has conductor Gunther Herbig leading the National Symphony Orchestra (國家交響樂團) in a performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 9 in D Major.
■ Thursday at 7:30pm
■ National Concert Hall, Taipei City
■ Tickets are NT$400 and NT$1,500, available through NTCH ticketing or online at www.artsticket.com.tw
Classical Chamber Music of Taiwan Series — Pro Arte Trio (藝像台灣經典室內樂系列 — 伯牙三重奏) presents the well-regarded local trio performing a program that includes Tyzen Hsiao’s (蕭泰然) The Formosa Trio (福爾摩沙), Beethoven’s Piano Trio in B-Flat Major, Op. 97 and Chausson’s Piano Trio in G Minor, Op. 3.
■ Today at 7:30pm
■ National Concert Hall, Taipei City
■ Tickets are NT$400 and NT$600, available through NTCH ticketing or online at www.artsticket.com.tw
Area51 Harp & Violin Duo (Area51 小提琴與豎琴二重奏) features violinist Li Hsuan (李瑄) and harpist Chen Shu-hsing (陳淑杏), who enjoyed huge success with a similar concert last year. The program they will present includes arrangements of Paganini’s Sonata Concertante, Louis Spohr’s Sonata in B-Flat Major, Op. 16, Piazzolla’s Histoire du Tango and Bosch’s Passacaille.
■ Monday at 7:30pm
■ National Recital Hall, Taipei City
■ Tickets are NT$250 and NT$400, available through NTCH ticketing or online at www.artsticket.com.tw
Contemporary
Tomorrow night VU Live House hosts two parties, Drum and Bass 101 and From Old Skool to Nu Skool, featuring DJs JD and MOS, Elemence and Coffeepot, as well as MCs Babble On and Shaman. [See The Vinyl Word.]
■ B1, 77, Wuchang St Sec 2, Taipei
City (台北市武昌街二段77號B1).
Tel: (02) 2314-1868
■ From 10pm tomorrow
■ Entrance fee is NT$350, includes a drink
Indie-folk duo U.TA (屋塔樂團) and indie rockers Bearbabes (熊寶貝) appear tonight at the The Wall (這牆). Tomorrow veteran alt-rockers The Chairman (董事長) hold a memorial tribute concert for their former lead singer, Guan Yu (冠宇), who died of leukemia in 2000. Late tomorrow night Dance Rock Taipei presents an all-night dance party called New Blood, with sets from DJs Bounce Girlz, Dino and Spykee. [See The Vinyl Word.] On Sunday, the venue hosts acoustic indie rockers Silverbus (銀巴士), ska band Cream Cheese Cookies of Tokyo, and Kaohsiung ska group Shy Kick Apple (害羞踢蘋果). Wednesday’s show features legendary San Francisco metal band Exodus.
■ B1, 200, Roosevelt Rd Sec 4, Taipei City (台北市羅斯福路四段200號B1).
Tel: (02) 2930-0162. On the Net:
www.thewall.com.tw
■ Music shows start at 8pm tonight, 8pm and 11:30pm tomorrow, 8pm on Sunday and 7:30pm on Wednesday
■ Entrance fee is NT$400 tonight, NT$400 tomorrow (NT$350 in advance), NT$400 Sunday and NT$1,500 Wednesday (NT$1,200 in advance). Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.thewall.com.tw or tickets.books.com.tw
Acoustic guitarist Su-jer (舒吉吉) and keyboardist Anie Fann take to the stage tonight at Witch House (女巫店). Happy punks Children Sucker (表兒) and psychedelic alt-rock band Flat Club (假文藝青年俱樂部) play tomorrow night. The venue hosts a special show on Tuesday with Xiaojuan and Residents of The Valley (小娟 & 山谷裡的居民) of China. On Thursday, it’s solo acoustic artist Easy, followed by singer-songwriter Zulin (志寧).
■ 7, Ln 56, Xinsheng S Rd Sec 3, Taipei City (台北市新生南路三段56巷7號).
Tel: (02) 2362-5494. On the Net:
www.witchhouse.org
■ Performances start at 9:30pm. Restaurant/bar with queer/feminist bookstore and large collection of board games open 11am to midnight Sundays through Wednesdays, 11am to 1am Thursdays through Saturdays
■ Entry fee for music shows is NT$300
Tonight at Riverside Cafe (河岸留言) singer Mickey Huang (黃子佼) and the Wen Jazz Band (文Jazz Band) perform “classic romantic jazz songs.” Folk rocker Connie Lu (呂莘) is among several musicians appearing tomorrow for a benefit concert for victims of Typhoon Morakot. Mando-pop singer Chi Hsin-pei (季欣霈) plays two sets on Sunday. Monday is the venue’s weekly open jam.
■ B1, 2, Ln 244, Roosevelt Rd Sec 3, Taipei City (台北市羅斯福路三段244巷2號B1), next to Taipower Building (台電大樓). Tel: (02) 2368-7310. On the Net: www.riverside.com.tw
■ Shows start at 9:30pm tonight and 9pm tomorrow, on Sunday and on Monday. Open jam starts at 9pm. For a list of standard songs and ground rules, visit the venue’s Web site
■ Entrance fee is NT$400 tonight and tomorrow, NT$350 on Sunday and NT$150 on Monday
Tonight Riverside Live House (西門紅樓展演館) hosts Moshi Cup 2009, which features a lineup that includes indie-pop musicians Peggy Hsu (許哲珮)Nylas and 929 and Mando-pop singer Shadya (藍又時). All proceeds from the event go to If Kids Theater’s (如果兒童劇團) Typhoon Morakot relief fund. Pop singer Z-Chen (張智成) appears tomorrow in support of his new album Secret Love (暗戀). On Thursday, renowned fingerstyle guitarist Dong Yun-chang (董運昌) appears with singer Koumis (蓓麗). Also on the bill is Come on! Bay Bay! (來吧!焙焙!), which has an indie-pop sound along the lines of Belle and Sebastian.
■ 177 Xining S Rd, Taipei City (台北市西寧南路177號). Tel: (02) 2370-8805. On the Net: www.riverside.com.tw
■ Shows start at 8:30pm tonight, 8pm tomorrow and 8:30pm on Thursday
■ Entrance fee is NT$500 tonight, NT$450 tomorrow and NT$400 on Thursday. Tickets can be purchased online through www.riverside.com.tw/livehouse or tickets.books.com.tw
Noise band Shebang-a (死蚊子) takes to the stage tonight at Underworld (地下社會). Also on the bill are punk band Inhuman Species (非人物種) and metal band Ashen. [See Highlight.] Post-rockers The Peppermints (薄荷葉) appear tomorrow with Tokyo ska band Cream Cheese Cookie. On Wednesday it’s indie folk duo U.TA (屋塔樂團) and Peppercat (胡椒貓).
■ B1, 45 Shida Rd, Taipei City (台北市師大路45號B1). Tel: (02) 2369-0103. On the Net: www.upsaid.com/underworld
■ Music shows run from 9:30pm to 11:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 9pm to 11pm on Wednesdays. Underworld is open daily from 9pm, closed on Mondays. Happy hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays before midnight
■ Entrance is NT$300 tonight and tomorrow and includes one drink, NT$100 on Wednesday
Metamorphosis Jazztet performs tonight at Sappho de Base. Tomorrow Jo Jo Ma Quintet, a group led by saxophonist Joseph Marchione, takes the stage. On Tuesday, pianist Andrew Page and his band The Flock play acid jazz and funk. On Wednesday the venue hosts David Foster and Friends. On Thursday, it’s the Sea Journey Jazz Combo (海洋知音爵士樂團), a four-piece group with vibraphone, bass, drums and guitar.
■ B1, 1, Ln 102, Anhe Rd Sec 1, Taipei City (台北市安和路一段102巷1號B1).
Tel: (02) 2700-5411. On the Net:
www.sappho102.biz
■ Music shows start at 10:30pm on weekends, 10pm on weekdays. Sappho is closed on Sundays and Mondays
■ Entrance is free
Every Wednesday night at the Cosmopolitan Grill there’s an open mic hosted by keyboardist Andrew Page, with the music mainly covering blues and jazz.
■ 1F, 218 Changchun Rd, Taipei City (台北市長春路218號1樓). Tel: (02) 2508- 0304. On the Net: www.cosmo.com.tw
■ 8:30pm to 11pm on Wednesdays
■ No entrance fee
EZ5 Live House hosts Mando-pop singers backed by a live band every night. Highlights this week include pub legend and songstress Tiger Huang (黃小琥), who performs every Monday. Julia Peng (彭佳慧) is another major draw who appears every Tuesday.
■ 211, Anhe Rd Sec 2, Taipei City (台北 市安和路二段211號). Tel: (02) 2738-3995. On the Net: visit www.ez5.com.tw
■ Music shows run from 9:45pm to 12:30am
■ Entrance fee (includes two drinks) ranges from NT$600 to NT$850, depending on the performer
Franz and Friends (城市舞台藝文沙龍), an upscale restaurant and performance space in Taipei’s East District, hosts music shows every night. The music tends to play it safe, ranging from wistful love songs and opera to lounge jazz. Weekly highlights include Denise Juan (阮丹青), a former pop singer turned piano teacher and television presenter, and her band Sunshine Costa. They play tonight. Tomorrow it’s Buona Sera, featuring soprano Chang Hsiao-ni (張曉倪).
■ 25, Bade Rd Sec 3, Taipei City (台北市八德路三段25號B1). Tel: (02) 2579-0558. On the Net: www.franzandfriends.com.tw
■ Minimum charge of NT$300 on Fridays and Saturdays. On other nights there’s a one-drink minimum
The Other Side is a “party-until-the-sun-comes-up” spot like the now-closed Roxy Vibe. But The Other Side promises a classier atmosphere, with sofa seating and a modern lounge interior befitting of its locale in Taipei’s East District. House DJs spin popular dance and rock from acts like Nirvana, The Ting Tings, Oasis, the Cure and Michael Jackson.
■ B1, 20, Songshou Rd, Taipei City (台北 市松壽路20號B1). Tel: (02) 2723-3257. On the Net: www.roxy.com.tw
■ Open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 10pm until 4am, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10pm until 7am
■ Cover charge for women is NT$300, except Wednesdays, when they get in free. Cover charge for men is NT$400 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and on Fridays and Saturdays before 1am. After 1am on weekends cover charge for men is NT$500
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
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
April 22 to April 28 The true identity of the mastermind behind the Demon Gang (魔鬼黨) was undoubtedly on the minds of countless schoolchildren in late 1958. In the days leading up to the big reveal, more than 10,000 guesses were sent to Ta Hwa Publishing Co (大華文化社) for a chance to win prizes. The smash success of the comic series Great Battle Against the Demon Gang (大戰魔鬼黨) came as a surprise to author Yeh Hung-chia (葉宏甲), who had long given up on his dream after being jailed for 10 months in 1947 over political cartoons. Protagonist
Peter Brighton was amazed when he found the giant jackfruit. He had been watching it grow on his farm in far north Queensland, and when it came time to pick it from the tree, it was so heavy it needed two people to do the job. “I was surprised when we cut it off and felt how heavy it was,” he says. “I grabbed it and my wife cut it — couldn’t do it by myself, it took two of us.” Weighing in at 45 kilograms, it is the heaviest jackfruit that Brighton has ever grown on his tropical fruit farm, located