HOME > NORTH TAIWAN > TAIPEI > ARTS & LEISURE >

Taiwan Fun Magazine, October 2002

By Selena Huang Translated by Chen Yu-Hua

Reel Dance Sprit of Ireland "Journey to Tir Na Nog" Time: October 15 to October 17 at 7:30pm Location: National Chiang Kai Shek Cultural Center Ticket Price: NT$300 - NT$1500 Contact Number: (02) 2341-9898 ERA Ticket Outlet

       "The Spirit of Ireland" is one of the country's most famous dance troupes, and the Irish reel is one of the most energetic dance forms. It is a lively blend of modern and traditional music and movement. The dance is choreographed to take the audience on a trip through Ireland's history with an introduction to the country's most beloved characters. Reel dance master, Daire Nolan and ten protégées, have popularized the dance throughout the world with their "Spirit of Ireland" ensemble, and are now introducing the craze to Taiwan.

Zhu Lu-Hao Traditional Chinese Theatre Company's "Tell Me Lies, Please" Time: October 17th to October 19th at 7:30pm and October 20th at 2:30pm Location: National Theatre Ticket Price: NT$300 - $1200 Contact Number: (02) 2343-1587 National Theater and Concert Hall Ticketing

       This lively drama, performed by the Zhu Lu-Hao Traditional Chinese Theatre Company, is in keeping with the spirit of contemporary Taiwan. Traditional Chinese theater is at the heart of the performance, but the audience can expect many levels of interpretation. This is Director Lee Xiao Pin's first production of blending classic opera and modern theater. Critics give it rave reviews, especially for the surprising character renditions. Zhu Lu , as "Monkey," trades a mettlesome demeanor for one that is more cowardly; Zhu Sen Li portrays a pitiful yet beautiful wife, and Sung Shao-Chin's enactment as the tricky palace eunuch in "Comic Dialogue Defeats the Japs" is a first for this actor. "Tell Me Lies, Please" will keep you entertained.

Alphonse Mucha, "Splendor of Art Nouveau" Until November 5th Location: National Museum of History, 1st Floor Ticket Price: Adult NT$20, Student NT$10 Contact Number: (02) 2361-1270

       Art Nouveau, emerging at the end of the nineteenth century in Europe and America, provided new perspectives for the visual arts and architecture. The exhibit focuses on three separate themes: influences leading up to the Art Nouveau movement; the introduction of Art Nouveau at the World's Fair in Paris at the turn of the century when it was lauded as the "latest" in decorative style; and stylistic development in Europe and North America. The work of Alphonse Mucha, which capitalizes on elegant and alluring female figures, is considered the springboard for modern graphic design. The exhibit includes posters, painting, jewelry, mementos, sketches and manuscripts - two hundred thirty three pieces in all.