Having perplexed readers and art lovers with both pen and brush, Noble Laureate Gao Xingjien (
Sponsored by the Council for Cultural Affairs (
PHOTOS COURTESY OF COUNCIL FOR CULTURAL AFFAIRS
In order to ensure the lavish production is, as critics are already dubbing it "a show for the 21st Century," Gao has called on the combined talents of theatrical and musical maestros from Taiwan, Hong Kong and France.
The show includes big name operatic star Wu Hsin-kuo (
"The sheer size of the production has led to many a sleepless night," admitted Council for Cultural Affairs spokesperson, Tchen Yu-Chiou (
It's not solely the on-stage action that sees Gao employing the talents of some of the nation's leading theatrical folk. The backstage crew includes Oscar winning costume designer, Tim Yip (
And like the performers, the backstage crew has also run into more than its fare share of quandaries in regards the nature of Gao's direction.
"I've been involved in over 100 shows over the years but this is certainly the most complex one I've ever dealt with," explained Nieh. "It's not simply a case of designing a set. There's also a need to understand the perplexing depth of Gao's writings. I come up with an idea one day, reread the script and realize I've missed the point and have to begin again."
To ensure the performance's western operatic elements are as genuine as possible, Gao is relying on the Opera de Marseille's conductor and musical arranger, Marc Trautmann, and the theatrical lighting skills of the French opera's stage illumination expert Philippe Grosperrin.
The problems arising from the complexities of Gao's stage direction will, according to the Nobel Laureate, be ironed out well in time for the show's premier in Taipei on December 19, when audiences will be treated to a truly breathtaking and breakthrough performance.
"The cooperation has been great," explained Gao. "Because of this I genuinely believe that such a collection of talented people will ensure that this one of most charged productions to ever be staged in Taipei."
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