Theater
Formosa — The Legendary Heaven (蓬萊仙島), the latest Taiwanese operatic production by the renowned Ming Hwa Yuan Arts and Cultural Group (明華園戲劇總團), presents an ancient tale of one emperor’s quest to conquer Formosa. The show is being staged as part of the Taiwan International Festival of Arts (2011台灣國際藝術節, tifa.ntch.edu.tw).
■ National Theater, Taipei City
Photo courtesy of New Aspect
■ Tonight at 7:30pm, tomorrow at 2:30pm and 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm
■ Tickets are NT$500 to NT$2,500, available through NTCH ticketing or online at www.artsticket.com.tw.
Forty years ago, the Taiwanese glove puppet hero Su Yam-bwen made his television debut. He sparked a national craze and went on to become a cultural phenomenon. Su’s creator, Huang Chun-hsiung TV Puppet Theater (黃俊雄電視木偶劇團), has revived the puppet with The Great Hero of Yun-zhou: Su Yam-bwen, the Ultimate Battle (雲州大儒俠之決戰時刻), which features dialogue in Hoklo (commonly known as Taiwanese) and the company’s signature special effects.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NTCH
■ Experimental Theater, Taipei City
■ Tonight at 7:30pm, tomorrow at 2:30pm and 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm
■ Tickets are NT$600, available through NTCH ticketing or online at www.artsticket.com.tw
Zora’s Recital (左拉的獨奏會) by Peace Theatre (太平盛世劇社) is a comic musical that centers on Zora, an independent cello player whose decision to become a single parent throws her friends and family into confusion. The cast includes musical talents Hung Jui-hsiang (洪瑞襄) and Shih Ying-ying (史茵茵) as well as theater veteran Luo Bei-an (羅北安).
■ Taipei City Government Family Theater (台北市政府親子劇場), 2F, Taipei City Hall, 1 Shifu Rd, Taipei City (台北市市府路1號2樓)
■ Tonight at 7:30pm, tomorrow at 2:30pm and 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm
■ Tickets are NT$400 to NT$10,000, available through NTCH ticketing or online at www.artsticket.com.tw
Classical music
Gewandhaus Orchester Leipzig (萊比錫布商大廈管絃樂團) will visit Taipei as part of the Taiwan International Festival of Arts (2011台灣國際藝術節) for two concerts. The orchestra will perform with violin soloist Leonidas Kavakos under the baton of Riccardo Chailly and feature. Tonight’s program comprises Dvorak’s Carnival Overture, Op. 92, Violin Concerto in A Minor, Op. 53 and Symphony No. 7, and tomorrow’s consists of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8.
■ Today and tomorrow at 7:30pm
■ National Concert Hall, Taipei City
■ Tickets are NT$500 to NT$3,600, available through NTCH ticketing or online at www.artsticket.com.tw
Chang Chun Violin Recital — A Tour of 19th Century Europe (張群小提琴音樂會 — 十九世紀末之歐洲巡禮) sees Kaohsiung-based pianist Chang Chun (張群) performing a program that includes Tchaikovsky’s Melody Op. 42, Brahms’ Violin Sonata in A Major, Op. 100, Saint-Saens’ Havanaise, and Grieg’s Violin Sonata in C Minor, Op. 45. He will be accompanied by pianist Chen Chih-yu (陳芝羽).
■ Sunday at 7:30pm
■ Chihshan Hall, National Chiang Kai-shek Cultural Center, Kaohsiung City (高雄中正文化中心至善廳), 67 Wufu 1st Rd, Greater Kaohsiung (高雄市五福一路67號)
■ Tickets are NT$100 and NT$200, available through ERA ticketing or online at www.ticket.com.tw
Felix Rengglin Flute Recital (仁格利長笛演奏會) presents Switzerland-born flautist Felix Rengglin in a recital of Dvorak’s Sonatina, Op. 100, Skoumals’ The Abduction of Scheherazade and Morlacchi’s Il Pastore Svizzero, among other works. Rengglin will be accompanied on piano by Hsu Chia-chi (徐嘉琪).
■ Tuesday at 7:30pm
■ National Concert Hall, Taipei City
■ Tickets are NT$500 to NT$2,500, available through NTCH ticketing or online at www.artsticket.com.tw
The Shen Yun Performing Arts 2011 Taiwan Tour (神韻晚會) begins in Taoyuan tomorrow, followed by performances in Keelung (March 18 to March 22), Taichung (March 24 to March 27), Chiayi (March 29 to March 30), Taipei (April 1 to April 3), Kaohsiung (April 6 to April 10), Tainan (April 13 to April 15) and Changhua (April 16 to April 17). Founded with the aim of preserving China’s richly diverse history of artistic achievement, Shen Yun claims to be “the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company.” As Shen Yun totally revises its production each year, this year’s show presents a new lineup of dances, songs and music.
■ Tomorrow until Tuesday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm (Taoyuan)
■ Taoyuan Performance Center (桃園展演中心), 1188 Jhongjheng Rd, Taoyuan City (桃園市中正路1188號)
■ Tickets are NT$1,200 to NT$5,000, available through ERA ticketing or online at www.ticket.com.tw
Contemporary
Legacy Taipei, located in a former warehouse at Huashan 1914 Creative Park (華山1914), hosts top Taiwanese pop performers and international acts. Canto-pop singer Kay Tse (謝安琪) takes to the stage tonight. Tomorrow the venue hosts Julie Chu (朱俐靜), best known for her appearances on the TV reality show Super Idol (超級偶像). Pop-rock bands Clockworker (發條人) and Staycool play on Wednesday night.
■ Huashan 1914 Creative Park (華山1914), Center Five Hall (中五館), 1, Bade Rd Sec 1, Taipei City (台北市八德路一段1號)
■ 8pm tonight, 7pm tomorrow, 8:30pm Wednesday
■ NT$900 tonight, NT$700 tomorrow, NT$500 on Wednesday. Tickets for the venue’s concerts can be purchased at ERA ticketing outlets, online through www.ticket.com.tw or www.legacy.com.tw or at 7-Eleven ibon kiosks
The Wall (這牆), Taipei’s most prominent venue for indie rock artists, hosts American hard rock group Anberlin tonight [see story on Page 14], with nu-metal rock band The Hindsight (光景消逝) as the opening act. Tomorrow’s show with indie rock stars Sodagreen (蘇打綠) is sold out. On Sunday, post-rock group EF of Sweden takes to the stage.
■ 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
■ Shows start at 8pm
■ NT$1,000 tonight, sold out tomorrow, NT$1,300 on Sunday (NT$1,100 in advance). Tickets can be purchased online through www.thewall.com.tw or tickets.books.com.tw
Experimental solo performer Wang Yu-chun (王榆鈞) and solo artist Easy appear tonight at Witch House (女巫店), which regularly hosts shows from both indie rock bands and folk artists in a coffeehouse setting. Tomorrow, it’s Hualien-based acoustic folk duo Tom and Huck (湯姆與哈克). On Thursday folk rocker Dorian Chan (詹宇庭) and one-man electro-rock band Sonic Deadhorse takes to the stage.
■ 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
■ Shows 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
■ Entrance for music shows is NT$300
Rock and fusion group E Zzy Band performs tonight at Riverside Cafe (河岸留言). Tomorrow Mando-pop singers Freya Lim (林凡), Quack Wu (吳忠明) and Kelly Poon (潘嘉麗) perform in a musical play titled Fierce Lovers (犀利情人). Fingerpicking acoustic guitar duo Woody Woody and acoustic pop band Pia take to the stage on Sunday.
■ 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
■ Show starts tonight at 9:30pm, 9pm on all other nights. For a list of standard songs and ground rules for the open jam, visit the venue’s Web site
■ NT$400 tonight, NT$450 tomorrow, NT$350 on Sunday and NT$150 Monday. Tickets can purchased online through www.riverside.com.tw or tickets.books.com.tw
Tonight Riverside Live House hosts a showcase concert and seminar by the staff band of the Musicians Institute, a Los Angeles-based school. Taking to the stage tomorrow is rock-jazz guitar maestro and composer Scott Henderson. On Thursday, it’s Garage rockers Picks (痞克四) and pop-rock act Color Band.
■ 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
■ Entrance is NT$300 tonight, NT$2,000 tomorrow (advance tickets NT$1,800 for seated area and NT$1,500 for non-seating area) and NT$400 on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online through www.riverside.com.tw/livehouse or tickets.books.com.tw
Forests and Swivelized Sounds take to the stage tonight at Underworld (地下社會), a small basement club in Taipei. Tomorrow it’s one-man delta blues band Jack Conqueroo and expat garage rockers The Deadly Vibes. Afterwards, 1976 lead singer Ah-kai (阿凱) and drummer Da Shi Xiong (大師兄) are among the DJs leading a Brit-pop Party. Manic Sheep and 20-Second take to the stage on Wednesday night.
■ 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
■ Shows run from 9pm to 11pm on Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays. Underworld is open daily from 9pm, closed on Mondays. Happy hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays before midnight
■ Entrance for music shows is NT$300 on Fridays and Saturdays, which includes one drink, and NT$100 on Wednesdays.
Local ska/reggae favorites Skaraoke appear tonight at Sappho de Base, a late night lounge bar that hosts mostly live jazz and blues performances. Tomorrow, the Earl Hines II Jazztet plays cool jazz. On Tuesday, a set by TNT Jazz is followed by an open jam, and on Wednesday, Elin’s Jazz Quartet takes to the stage. Jipa (奇啪樂團), also a quartet, performs on Thursday.
■ 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
■ Shows start at 10pm. The venue is closed on Sundays and Mondays
■ Entrance is NT$200 tonight, NT$150 on all other nights except Wednesday, which is free
EZ5 Live House hosts Mando-pop singers backed by a live band every night. Highlights for the week ahead include Mando-pop songstress Julia Peng (彭佳慧) on Tuesday, and male crooner Shin Lung (辛龍), who performs every Saturday. Acclaimed Aboriginal singer Samingad (紀曉君) performs on Thursdays.
■ 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
■ Shows run from 9:45pm to 12:30am
■ Entrance fee (includes two drinks) ranges from NT$600 to NT$850, depending on the performer
Taipei Swing holds dance socials on Friday nights at Italian restaurant Capone’s, with live music from electric blues band Bopomofo (ㄅㄆㄇㄈ). Dancers of all levels welcome. Tomorrow, drummer Abe Nbugu Kenyatta leads a band playing music from his hometown of New Orleans.
■ 312, Zhongxiao E Rd Sec 4, Taipei City (台北市忠孝東路四段312號)
■ Live music from 9pm to 11:30pm on Fridays, 8pm to 11:30pm on Saturdays
■ On Fridays, minimum charge of one drink. On Saturdays, minimum charge is NT$300
Alt-rock band Silent Toads (啾吉惦惦) performs tomorrow at The Village Cafe (村落餐廳), a bar and cafe located at the Taipei Artist Village (台北國際藝術村), which hosts shows every Saturday night. Also on the bill is Belgian expat composer and pianist Pierre Hujoel (aka Hue Yue, 胡月), who performs avant-garde pop sung in Mandarin.
■ 7 Beiping E Rd, Taipei City (台北市北平東路7號), tel: (02) 3393-7377 X207
■ Tomorrow at 9pm
■ Entrance is NT$300, includes one drink
Tonight 89k, Taichung’s long-established spot for local indie bands, hosts Funky Brothers (放客兄弟) and blues rock band The Silence (沉默之音). Tomorrow Skaraoke and Otaku3 perform ska and dub.
■ 21 Daguan Rd, Nantun Dist, Greater Taichung (台中市南屯區大觀路21號)
■ Shows start at 10pm
■ Entrance is NT$300 for all shows
The Wall (這牆) programs regular live rock shows at Kaohsiung’s Pier 2 Arts Center (高雄駁二藝術特區). Indie-folk duo katncandix2 (棉花糖) performs tonight. Tomorrow, Aboriginal singer-songwriter Gelresai (陳世川) and comedic band HE (有激人) share the bill with Puyuma pop singer Leo Chen (陳永龍). On Sunday, it’s a classic lineup of garage rock and punk bands: 88 Balaz (88顆芭樂籽), Random (隨性樂團) and Inhuman Band (非人物種).
■ 1 Dayong Rd, Yancheng Dist, Greater Kaohsiung (高雄市鹽埕區大勇路1號). On the Net: pier-2.khcc.gov.tw, www.thewall.com.tw
■ Shows start at 7:30pm.
■ Entrance is NT$400 tonight and tomorrow, NT$300 on Sunday
The Mercury (水星酒館), an indie rock club in Kaohsiung, hosts Sorrow of Youth (少年維特的煩惱) and Cornor tomorrow night.
■ 46 Liwen Rd, Zuoying Dist, Greater Kaohsiung (高雄市左營區立文路46號), tel: (07) 550-8617. On the Net: mercurybar.blogspot.com
■ Show starts at 9pm
■ Entrance is NT$250, which includes one drink
Sept.16 to Sept. 22 The “anti-communist train” with then-president Chiang Kai-shek’s (蔣介石) face plastered on the engine puffed along the “sugar railway” (糖業鐵路) in May 1955, drawing enthusiastic crowds at 103 stops covering nearly 1,200km. An estimated 1.58 million spectators were treated to propaganda films, plays and received free sugar products. By this time, the state-run Taiwan Sugar Corporation (台糖, Taisugar) had managed to connect the previously separate east-west lines established by Japanese-era sugar factories, allowing the anti-communist train to travel easily from Taichung to Pingtung’s Donggang Township (東港). Last Sunday’s feature (Taiwan in Time: The sugar express) covered the inauguration of the
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