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Taiwan-based U Theater channels spirit of Zen
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POUNDING drums, thrilling melodies, poetry chanting and sacred movements by performers in simple white dress — these are some of the things audiences can expect when Zen-inspired troupe U Theater brings its new show “Beyond Time” to Shanghai Culture Square on May 18-19.
According to Liu Ruoyu, the Taiwan group’s founder and artistic director, “Beyond Time” is about breaking away from the complexities and conflicts of everyday life and experiencing the present moment.
Founded in 1993, U Theater regularly combines music, drama, literature, dance, martial arts and traditional Chinese philosophy into its stage performances. The troupe is also unique in its emphasis on daily Zen training for its performers. Before practice, members of the group typically meditate on a mountain outside Taipei to reduce distractions. With nothing to cluttering their minds, they are expected to communicate with the universe and themselves.
“Every practice we do on the mountain is important to our performance as it determines our condition on stage,” said Huang Zhiqun, U Theater’s composer and choreographer.
According to Lin Gufang, a Taiwan-based arts critic and Zen practitioner, U Theater does an excellent job of integrating Zen practices and beliefs into their stage performances.
“Zen, in my opinion, is a battle against one’s self rather than anyone else. Though most stage performers may be accustomed to judging their performances by the audience’s feedback, Zen practitioners should be aware of this the moment they step on stage,” said Lin. “To win this battle, they have to see every daily practice as a battle without a second chance.”
Though drums have played an important role in many productions by U Theater since its foundation, both Huang and Liu are open to multiple methods of interpreting each show.
“As long as we are clear about the message, any instrument can help tell a story,” said Huang. “We chose drums largely because we are familiar with the instrument.”
However, he also admits drums are a relatively simple instrument that express emotions clearly but are somewhat limited when it comes to interpreting complicated stories.
Every stage production by U Theater starts with an artistic concept based on a poem written by Huang. This basic concept is then enriched with music, dance and other elements. The whole process could take years to complete, although additions and changes are often made in response to audience feedback.
“We’re not compromising our art. We’re taking expectations into consideration so as to help our work become better appreciated,” said Liu.
Date: May 18-19, 7:15pm
Tickets: 80-880 yuan
Tel: 962-388
Venue: Shanghai Culture Square
Address: 597 Fuxing Rd M.
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