Yo Gee Ti

During our first night in Taipei, we had the chance to see a dance performance at the National Theater. We took the subway to the theater and walked a short distance before we saw the building. Built in the 1970's, the theater is dressed in traditional Chinese ornamentation and painted with a variety of bright colors. It is a stunning sight, especially when it is lit up at night. Nearby is the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial and a beautiful archway, adding to the brilliance of the square between them. We stood looking at the scene with amazement, having never seen something similar before in the United States. The interior of the building was just as beautiful. The ornamentation continued, but with a modern twist. The inside of the theater itself was similar to the theaters of Pittsburgh. There was a large balcony section with floor seating. Smaller balconies, resembling a stereotypical opera theater, lined the side walls, allowing for private viewings. Eye-catching chandeliers hung down from the ceiling. All of the design students on the trip were pleasantly surprised to see a green wall in the lobby. We approached our seats and waited anxiously for the show.

The National Theater - Taipei

The performance was illustrated by Compagnie Kafig under the artistic direction of Mourad Merzouki. Merzouki has been a student of many types of dancing, beginning with circus styles in his youth. He also enrolled in boxing and karate classes. In his teens, he discovered hip hop on the streets. During his career as a choreographer, he has mixed these three components with live music to create unique performances. 

The choreography was a combination of Merzouki's traditional style with a French influence. Performers wore black or natural-looking costumes balanced by a setting of suspended silk threads. The silk was able to be adjusted into several different backdrops. Lights changed the color of the fabric and set the tone for the performers and the music. Each dancer had specific strengths, highlighted in each of their individual and group routines. 

In the span of about an hour, the audience experienced several "stories" portrayed by different dancers. One couple seemed to be locked into an abusive relationship, while another was madly in love. The dancing resembled a blend of styles, though all the dancers were in extreme physical shape. Once a dancer in my youth, I truly appreciated how skilled they were and how much effort and practice went into the final performance. 

Before the Performance

It was interesting to see what Taiwanese people would pay to see at the National Theater. I was expecting the performance to be much more traditional rather than a mix of modern dance and martial arts. Nevertheless, I felt a deep connection with the experience, as if I could see myself watching a similar show in the United States.