Apostating Time draws inspiration from ZHU Bian, a work of Song Yuan Nanxi Opera. Amidst enemy territory, Song Dynasty envoy ZHU Bian remains loyal to his homeland, even as he becomes a political hostage. Yet, the love of the enemy's princess keeps him alive for 16 years as her husband. Back in his homeland, his devoted wife eagerly awaits his return, torn between love and duty. approaching theatre and Gang-a Tsui Theater merge ZHU Bian with the life story of a 1950s political prisoner in Taiwan, delving into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and personal identity. The production presents an experience of the juxtaposition of Nanguan and Peking Opera with a contemporary context, contemplating the indelible marks history leaves on our lives.

Director & playwright / KOH Choon-eiow

KOH Choon-eiow, Co-Artistic Director of approaching theatre, is an award-winning contemporary theatre director, playwright, and actor. His works explore Asian Chinese identity and immigration history, collaborating with artists from Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia. With a deep understanding of Asian theatre aesthetics, his unique directorial style combines sharp narratives, flexible contexts, and precise storytelling. Graduated from the Malaysian Institute of Art and holding an MFA from the Chinese Culture University in Taiwan, KOH Choon-eiow's profound works address survival, aesthetics, and the development of contemporary performers.

Lead / CHENG Yin-chen

CHENG Yin-chen is the Co-Artistic Director of approaching theatre and a grantee of the Asian Cultural Council Fellowship program. She was a writer for Pots Weekly and joined Gang-a-Tsui Theater in 2007 to study Nanguan music and Liyuan opera. In 2014, she founded approaching theatre with KOH Choon- eiow. Her works primarily center around the transformation of aesthetic consciousness influenced by the concept of time across various historical periods. With a steadfast commitment, she delves into the realm of performing aesthetics rooted in the serene essence cultivated through traditional opera's vocal training, physical gestures, and spiritual s.

Lead / CHEN Yan-xi

CHEN Yan-xi graduated from the National Institute of the Arts (now Taipei National University of the Arts) and immediately joined Gang-a Tsui Theater. There, she studied Dan (female role) performance, Nanguan plucked string instruments and percussion instruments. Under the guidance of experienced artists from Taiwan and China's Quanzhou region, she actively participated in performances involving traditional Nanguan music, Liyuan opera, and collaborations with experimental and interdisciplinary artists.

Lead / WEI Mei-hui

WEI joined Gang-a Tsui Theater in 1993 and has been dedicated to the study of traditional arts ever since. Through the Impartation Plan for Nanguan Liyuan Opera commissioned by the National Culture and Arts Foundation, she specialized in Nanguan music and Sheng (male role) training. Currently, she engages in performances and teaching related to Nanguan music and Liyuan Opera.

Lead / HONG Chien-tsang

HONG Chien-tsang graduated from the Theater Department of National Taiwan University and possesses extensive experience in the field of theater. He wears a diverse range of hats as a performing artist, screen actor, and puppeteer.

Lead / WANG Chao-yang

WANG Chao-yang grew up in Changhua, Taiwan and is a freelance actor who graduated from the Department of Drama at the Chinese Culture University. Having been deeply moved by theater, they aspire to possess the power to touch others and continue performing as a means of self- and exploring the potential for a fulfilling life.

Lead / LI Wei-cih

LI Wei-cih graduated from the Department of Theater Arts at Taipei National University of the Arts. In recent years, she has participated in various productions including Passage to Lo-Jin by Gang-a Tsui Theater, The Wall! Dong!! and 500 years of zzz… by Echo.co Studio. She has also collaborated with Riverbed Theatre in the production Still Life.

approaching theatre

approaching theatre, founded in 2014 by KOH Choon-eiow and CHENG Yin-chen, is dedicated to exploring the essence of art. The company specializes in playwriting, directing, and theater education. Inspired by Taiwanese theater pioneer CHOU Yi-chang, they focus on training "Free Performers" with a strong emphasis on mind-body awareness and preserving local culture. Their directing style delves into colonial histories and the identity of the Chinese diaspora, while their performances embrace the tranquility of traditional arts. With international collaborations and exchanges, approaching theatre enriches Taiwanese theater with diverse influences and seeks to bring their unique theatrical aesthetics to audiences worldwide.

Gang-a Tsui Theater

Gang-a Tsui Theater, founded in 1993, has revolutionized traditional arts by blending Liyuan opera with modern theater. Their groundbreaking production, A Tour of Nanguan, infused new elements into traditional Nanguan and set a precedent for transforming traditional arts for contemporary society. The company’s recent highlights include the remaking of Zubun Elopes with the Ghost and Passage to Lo-Jin. Following the passing of founder CHOU Yi-chang in 2016, CHEN Chia-Wen and WEI Mei-Hui took the reins in 2017, preserving his vision of modernizing Nanguan and infusing it with contemporary spirit.

Dramaturgy / CHI Hui-ling

Director & Playwright / KOH Choon-eiow

Performer / WEI Mei-hui, CHEN Yan-xi, CHENG Yin-chen, HONG Chien-tsang, WANG Chao-yang、LI Wei-cih

Musician / CHEN Chia-wen, LIAO Yu-ning, LAI Hong-ling, CHEN Yi-lien, CHEN Hsiao-ying, LIU Meng-ling

Producer / YANG Kai-ting

Lighting Design / CHEN Guan-lin

Sound Design / LIN Yu-de

Costume Design / LIN Yu-ling

Image Design / YANG Kai-ting

Set Designer / LIN Yu-quan 

Stage Manager / CHANG Yi-chin

Mixing Engineer / CHUNG Yang-che

Master Electrician / LIN Jian-ping

Rehearsal Assistant / LI Yu-ting, KUI Chia-yu

Visual Design / Marco Meng-Tsung LIU

Photo / LIN Yu-quan

Premier in 2023 Taiwan Traditional Theatre Festival