Department of Cultural Affairs

By Psyche Cho
Staff Reporter

Equipped with imagination and on board for a journey of exploration is the theme adopted by the 2012 Taipei Children's Arts Festival. This year's edition features a larger scale and an extended session for a fun-packed summer.

Among the highlight are ten troupes specializing in ballet, traditional Chinese music, Taiwanese Opera, hand puppet, and others relay to present 52 free performances within communities plus eight free outdoor performances, to create 60 enjoyable moments for parents and children, running every week till August 3.

The Capital Ballet, Taipei led off with simple and unconventional ballet pieces, aiming to arouse children's interest over the art on tiptoes. Known for its successful fusion of traditional Chinese music and modern tones, Chai Found Music Workshop will stage a new version of Three Little Pigs from July 9 to 11, portraying their emotions through lively musical notes.   

A children's version of Taiwanese Opera which preaches the message 'there are no bad children in the world, only children starving for love' by High Sun Taiwanese Opera, will follow to stage July 18 to 22. A multi-media musical theater unfolds a story about farewells in life July 27 to 29, while a performance focusing on the pursuit of dreams is scheduled for August 3 to 5. 

An assembly of popular local troupes such as Ju Percussion Group, Acrodynamic, Chai Found Music Workshop, and a Hakka dance troupe will stage at Daan Forest Park to give free performances July 5 to 8 and July 26 to 29.

Aside from the domestic programs, there are still five international programs, one installation exhibition and one animation fair. In the international section, Danish company Teater Refleksion will lead off the action for five foreign troupes, presenting a sad yet warm production titled "Goodbye, Mr. Muffin" from July 9 to 11. This is a story about the last days in a guinea pig's life which strives to highlight the value of life.

"Stormy Night," brought forth by Le Carrousel Compagnie de Theatre from Quebec, Canada, will follow to lead children on an exploration of the universe, a trip designed to intrigue their curiosity about the world around them, from July 13 to 15.

"On-Off," a dance incorporating light, music and body movements, will be staged by the Italian company La Baracca-Testoni Ragazzi from July 16 to 19, with the hope of freeing children from their fear of darkness.

In the wake of the grand-opening programs and lasting until August 5 will be a good assortment of art, theater and music programs.