00:06With tight, controlled, but expressive movements, dancers leap to the pounding of drums.
00:16This is a combination of martial arts, drumming, and meditation, a special blend that's become
00:22the signature of Taiwanese performing arts troupe U Theater. They've been bringing their
00:26unique art form to stages in Taiwan and abroad for 37 years.
00:33And in that time, they've overcome many crises, from the loss of their studio in a fire in 2019,
00:40to the severe disruptions of the COVID pandemic. But now they're back on the road,
00:45with performances at home and in Europe. They're performing in places like an ancient Roman
00:50amphitheater in Sicily, sites that require extra preparation and care.
00:56They're also going to see pictures and videos to monitor the location and the environment.
01:03When we're at the moment, we need to make a lot of effort.
01:07How to do such an old place, some places are still not able to move,
01:12they're not able to climb over. So when we're at the moment,
01:16there are definitely many challenges. But behind this challenge,
01:20I think it's very valuable.
01:23This tour features a piece called Meeting with Bodhisattva,
01:26a Buddhist tale they premiered back in 2002. It tells of a warrior's search for meaning and
01:32self-discovery, and the realization that his legacy needs to be passed on. For the lead performer,
01:38the work had close parallels with their real-life journey.
01:41At that time, I was just at the stage of the stage.
01:45I met a friend.
01:47After I studied a year, I studied a year after that,
01:51the Master said,
01:53I said that I am going to go to the stage.
01:55Can I ask him to go to the stage in the stage for coming back?
02:01I don't know how I can do something.
02:04So I would try to try and try.
02:06This year, it's been 15 years.
02:14It's been a fruitful period.
02:16In that time, the troops' tours have given overseas audiences
02:19a taste of both Taiwanese traditional arts
02:21and also traditional spirituality.
02:24This includes meditation sessions of walking in nature wherever they go.
02:29Performers here find this cultural exchange deeply rewarding.
02:49From venues both around Asia and around the West,
02:52the strong technique and discipline this troupe has built up over nearly four decades
02:56leaves an impression that sticks
02:58and showcases the sort of groundbreaking work Taiwanese artists are capable of.
03:05James Lin, John Van Trieste, and Jeremy Olivier for Taiwan Plus.
03:12James Lin, John Van Trieste, and Jeremy Olivier for Taiwan.
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