How do we define "Taiwanese style"? When we talk about "Taiwanese style," what's the first image that comes to mind? Once heavily stigmatized, this negative label has now evolved into a cultural symbol of self-identity. "Mixing," "collage," "imitation" - these are the core elements of Taiwanese style culture, and they've become focal points for artists exploring the diverse and distinctive facets of Taiwan's modern culture under colonialism's influence.
Through dialogues and sharing from three creators of Taiwanese style, this event will take you on a journey to understand the charm of Taiwanese style creation. Witness how they break through conventional perceptions and boundaries of art, bringing art back to life and redefining themselves. It also confirms that Taiwanese style creation is not only powerful in its populism but also valuable in its sophistication.
Wang Rong-yu
Founder and Artistic Director of Golden Bough Theatre, and awardee of the 22th National Awards for Arts of Taiwan, Wang Rong-Yu was born into a family of Taiwanese opera performers. His works, incorporating the dramatic styles of the traditional and the modern and the East and West, showcase rich Taiwanese culture, while his unique aesthetics has made him an influential figure in the Taiwanese drama world. They include Matinee in the Rain, The Con Game, Happiness series, Troy, Troy...Taiwan, and She is So Lovely, etc. He was nominated for Best Director at the Golden Melody Awards for Traditional Arts and Music in 2021.
Ric Jan
Ric Jan is a renowned singer, music producer, and promoter of Taiwanese Hokkien pop music. Having spent years behind the scenes in glove puppetry, Taiwanese pop, and drama soundtracks, he has written over three hundred songs and released seven solo albums. He has contributed to the production of more than a hundred albums with years of experience in creative pursuits. His keen sensitivity has allowed him to carve out a unique niche in the pop music scene.
He excels at creating content that gives Taiwanese songs a distinctive edge. His musical style blends Eastern and Western elements, showcasing his versatile singing abilities. This has earned him the nickname “Martial Arts Rock King.”
He gained particular fame for his involvement in the soundtrack production of the glove puppetry movie The Legend of the Sacred Stone. He has sung over twenty theme songs for puppetry shows, which made him a favorite among the fans. He also ventured into the pop music market, producing and performing over forty drama theme songs and earning widespread acclaim.
His voice is robust and resonant, mature and emotive, and his creative style is unique and diverse. The songs he writes and performs always touch people’s heart, deeply captivating and fascinating them. At every event, both adults and children are mesmerized by his performance, making him beloved by a broad audience.
Huang Zhi-kai
Huang Zhi-Kai, graduate of the inaugural class of the Drama Department at National Taiwan University, is currently the artistic director, playwright, and director at Story Works. He finds joy in watching life through a funhouse mirror and has recently been focusing on developing “the typology of theatre” and stage visuals. Covering a diverse range of styles, his works delves into social phenomena, often infusing comedic elements into weighty topics. Alongside original creations, he has also explored adaptations and interdisciplinary endeavors. His guiding principle is to “Transform the world into what we like.” In 2024, he won the “Best Original Script of the Year” at the One Drama Awards for Way Back Into Love.
Yu Hui-fen
Yu watched her first stage play during high school and fell for drama ever since. Her entering the U-Theatre in 1990 was a threshold of enlightenment. Co-established the Golden Bough Theatre with Wang Rong-Yu in 1993, Yu Hui-Fen also serves the roles of Executive Director, Producer, and Playwright. Yu is also a four-time Chief Director for the Citizen’s Environmental Theater in the New Taipei City Tamsui Environmental Arts Festival. Yu has published 23 works so far, including As You Like It, Troy, Troy… Taiwan, Happiness series, Pirates and Formosa, She Is So Lovely, etc.
