U-Theatre performs in eastern Taiwan rice paddy

Focus Taiwan
Date: 2015/10/31
By: Christie Chen

Taipei, Oct. 31 (CNA) On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the serene and scenic Chihshang Township (池上) in eastern Taiwan’s Taitung County welcomed thousands of visitors who had flocked to the rural township to see an annual art performance in its signature rice paddy.

Against the backdrop of a blue sky, mountains and rippling rice stalks, performers from the Taiwanese percussion troupe U-Theatre (優人神鼓) drummed and danced to the piece “Beyond Time” (時間之外) on a large stage that was set up in part of a rice paddy that had been cleared for the show.

At times spirited and at times meditative, the 70-minute performance by U-Theatre — known for its unique combination of drumming, Zen meditation and martial arts — drew cheers and applause from the 2,000-strong audience.     [FULL  STORY]