Inspired by the short story Ward No. 6 by Anton Chekhov, through reflection and debate, Existential Feelings focuses on the innate nature of humanity and free choice. Written by LIU Chien-guo, who is creating a new generation of traditional opera works, and directed by modern theater veteran POO Hong-chen, it stars Taiwan’s first Bangzi opera diva Wang Hai-ling, HSIAO Yang-ling and LIU Chien-hua of the Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company. This is a groundbreaking work that integrates Bangzi opera and modern drama.

The story is set in the year 298 of a new world order, in which the human race is controlled by artificial intelligence. Less intelligent people are labeled as “broken” and sent to hospitals for “repair”. A doctor working in one such institution is emotionally affected by the rantings of Patient 2537, and thus begins a discourse on the meaning of life and free spirit.

 

ChiChiao Musical Theatre
ChiChiao Musical Theatre was founded in southern Taiwan in 2004 and the founders are WANG Hai-ling and her two daughters, LIU Chien-hua (nicknamed “Chi”) and LIU Chien-guo (nicknamed “Chiao”).

ChiChiao Musical Theatre is devoted to creating dialogues between tradition and innovation.  The characteristic feature of its works is the fusion of different styles of operas and genres of music. Through creative energy, lively presentation, and the use of language familiar to the new generation, the works of this company attract young audiences, ensuring that traditional dramatic culture is passed on and preserved.

Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company
The Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company, based in Kaohsiung, works to preserve a form of folk Chinese opera that originated in Henan Province and uses woodblocks (referred to as bangzi) as accompanying musical instruments. Under the leadership of its artistic director and Bangzi opera diva WANG Hai-ling, it attracts new generations of performers and creates new styles of performances as it works to integrate aspects of Taiwanese culture and customs with artistic meaning. Every year, it develops an annual production that involves the modern theater elite and collaborations across artistic disciplines, as well as organizes academic forums and educational activities. This company has been invited to perform domestically and internationally.

Production / ChiChiao Musical Theatre, National Center for Traditional Arts

Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company

General Producer/ PENG, Hung-chih

Artistic Director / WANG Hai-ling

Director / POO Hong-chen

Playwright / LIU Chien-kuo

Stage and Puppet Design / CHANG Che-Lung

Lighting Design / WONG Choo-yean

Music Design / Blaire ko

Traditional Chinese Opera Melodies Design / WANG Hai-ling

Costume and Brocade Design / LIN Chen-zheng

Key Vision and Promotional Photographer / LIN Yu-Quan

Producer / Loïs PAN

Company Manager / LIN Chuan-fei, CHEN Jing-huei

Executive Producer /LIN Chun-hui

Performers / WANG Hai-ling, HSIAO Yang-ling, LIU Chien-hua, HSUEH Mei-hua, ZHENG Shun-wen

Musicians / Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company