[M'N'A EXTRA] Martial Arts, Not Just Arts

Five years ago, the film “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (臥虎藏龍)” had made huge success in Hollywood. From then on, a series of movies about martial arts, including “The Matrix (駭客任務)”, “Charlie’s Angels (霹靂嬌娃)”, and “Kill Bill (追殺比爾)” appeared one by one. Till now, even the Hong Kong film “Kung Fu Hustle (功夫)” went into Hollywood.

Martial Arts is fighting to the world

At this moment, martial arts have attracted foreigners’ attention by these Hollywood-style movies. “Crunching Tiger Hidden Dragon? It’s not bad.” Said Patrick Palburg, a German graduate student studied at the National Taiwan University, and also a huge fan of Stephen Zhou (周星馳). On June 9, Patrick sat in the chair at a Chinese food restaurant sharing his thoughts in brilliant Chinese. “Hollywood and Hong Kong films have something in common. They both emphasized martial arts’ performances.” He noted, “Just like the novels that Jinyong (金庸) wrote, each title and description is really beautiful.”


Patrick Palburg, who wore the Aikido uniform, stood at the downstairs of the community on June 9.
Photo: Vicky Mo

However, be honest, Chen Qing-he (陳清河), the coach of the Chang Hong (長洪武術) said, “film is a kind of art, a kind of performance, not the real martial arts.” The same feeling also came from Patrick “Movies and martial arts should be departed to discuss.” Although many foreigners appreciated martial arts due to the inspiration of movies, this German boy, who does love martial arts, has the totally different reason to start learning martial arts.

A story about a German guy’s martial arts learning

“There are three kinds of foreigners who studied martial arts.” The Coach Chen analyzed it according to his teaching histories over the last twenty years, and the experiences every year with students in South Africa. He said: “practicing martial arts while they are touring in Taiwan; learning it as they are teaching English here; and coming to Taiwan just to learn martial arts.”

It’s quite hard to put Patrick into one of them. Maybe, we can only say that his unique studying experience is a little bit like the last case. Patrick noticed martial arts in Germany before he came to Taiwan for the college degree in 1998. “Did you know the book with CD? I remembered there were four characters in this story of the book, one of them played well in martial arts.” Patrick described his first impression.

“At the age of twelve, I learned Taekwondo in Germany.” He recalled the practicing memories, “and then, studied Chinese martial arts for two years.” Anyway, the two kinds of martial arts didn’t become Patrick’s favorite sports. He explained, “Taekwondo required the sufficient strength to keep kicking. As for Chinese martial arts, the movements are graceful, you can train your body and made it flexible, but,” Patrick really care about that, “it didn’t work when you need to protect yourself.”

The insistence to protect him has deeply influenced Patrick’s view of martial arts after he came to Taiwan. He had taken part in a group here to maintain his martial arts life about four years. Gradually, Patrick discovered what the problem is, “I hope that I can act smoother than the normal people. Some martial arts that focus on the beautiful movements are not my goal.” Patrick continued, “recently, I found an excellent coach Lin Guo-zhen (林國禎) at Aikido (合氣道) in Taiwan through a friend’s introduction.”


The Coach Lin’s (the male wore the blue pants) moved so fast that I can’t take the clear picture of him.
Photo: Vicky Mo

Things are different since noticing Aikido

After lots of training and experiences, Patrick finally met a kind of martial arts that he really wants. “Aikido doesn’t have the specific movements.” Patrick said proudly. The coach Lin, who has taught Aikido more than thirty years, agreed, “Aikido won’t attack people on purpose, unless danger is approaching.”

“Now, I can protect myself well after practicing Aikido.” Patrick replied, “no one can hurt me when I walk down the street.” “Once, a stranger stood by me too closely,” Patrick explained and motioned action. “The guy’s face almost touched mine. So, when I turned my face, I used the strength of my waist, and waved the arm to block his annoying behavior.” Patrick stressed, “The power will be stronger as you move your waist.”

“In addition,” Patrick added, “practicing martial arts can make you stand pressures, handle difficult situations, and get along well with someone treating you bad.” Talking about this point, Coach Chen also agreed this. He mentioned that people could be stronger if they start practicing martial arts. “It will release some negative emotions, and make you feel better.”

An interesting but threatening Aikido’s visiting

On June 17, in order to take some action pictures, and of course, satisfy curiosity about martial arts, I visited the training place of Aikido at Keelung (基隆) road with Patrick. When we arrived there, a dark building, a small but clean site, and around 15 people with simple black and white clothes were the first impression.


The warm-up training began practicing by Patrick’s instructions at Keelung Road on June 17.
Photo: Vicky Mo


Students were stretching their legs during the warm-up training.
Photo: Vicky Mo

Nearly an hour’s warm-up training, the real fight has just begun. In fact, I tried to attack Patrick when he showed me Aikido during our first interview on Jun 9. And I believe that everybody could have imagined that I couldn’t even touch him a bit. However, the movements among the Aikido students on Jun 17 are more aggressive and threatening than me. The sound that student’s hand or foot hit the ground was so loud. A girl said that these actions are the major method to release the power coming from the speed and action. Still, I’m afraid in the beginning.


Patrick tried to stop the opponent’s offense.
Photo: Vicky Mo


And then, he succeeded blocking the opponent’s attack.
Photo: Vicky Mo

I noticed that Aikido has some specific defending movements anyway. It’s not like the dancing performance; each movement takes two to practice. Patrick believes, “Trying to control everyone’s power is the main purpose of training. You’ll find the suitable strength after practicing with other people.”

To sum up, “practicing is necessary, or you won’t know how to protect yourself when somebody attacks you.” Patrick adds. “But,” Coach Lin mentioned something to me after class, “We were practicing as if a real fight was going on, and sometimes people got hurt. The coach has to be there to watch everyone’s practicing and protect their safety.” Patrick also explained it as I was wondering whether they get hurt during the aggressive training. “We’ll be more careful when we are practicing. After all, you don’t want your classmates get hurt.”


“I looked good as the hair covered up my face.” Patrick smiled.
Photo: Vicky Mo


You have to protect yourself when the opponent’s body started moving.
Photo: Vicky Mo

Planning to fight, or Plan to prevent fight

But there is one thing that Patrick won’t deny. You’ll learn some skills that are enough to kill when you have learned the advanced martial arts. “Your body could be a weapon to hurt people without any tools.” Patrick talked to me seriously, “No matter how dangerous, you still have to control these movements as you’re practicing because Aikido always requires students to solve problem, not make it.” Patrick insists.

“Except the defending skills,” Patrick added, “the charming characteristics of martial arts is that you’d be able to control yourself and remain calm facing danger.” During the class, everyone saluts to the opponent, and kneels down to put his or her Aikido uniform in order after class.” Coach Chen noted further, “martial arts will train your patience, especially the traditional martial arts; it needs time and the serious attitude to learn the details.”


Sometimes, you will be block and fall on the ground by other people.
Photo: Vicky Mo


The hand’s movement was prevented the opponent’s next attack.
Photo: Vicky Mo

Difficult environment for martial arts to survive

“In your opinion, which martial arts is the most genuine one?” I asked. Coach Chen’s depressing sound came from the phone after he heard my question, “it was a pity that traditional martial morality is going to lose.” He went on, “the new style martial arts in China, we call it new martial arts (新武術) and it gradually becomes different and looks like gymnastic movement fitting for competition because the Chinese government hope that martial arts can become one item in the Olympic games.”

“Thus, new martial arts became gymnastic-like sports, and had age limitation.” Coach Chen didn’t agree these changes. “Traditional martial arts doesn’t have any specific qualifications, everyone can approach it regardless of sex and age.” Furthermore, “the spirit of martial arts in Taiwan didn’t change over the past years, but the government usually ignores us.” He joked, “They just let the folk martial arts groups live by themselves.” For example, few years ago, around two hundred foreigners planned coming to Taiwan to do some martial arts communications with us. “We truly wanted to invite them, but Chang Hong didn’t have enough money to cover their expense without government’s subsidy. Finally, the group went to South Africa instead.

“Taekwondo and Fukien White Crane (福建白鶴拳) are popular in Taiwan.” Patrick tried to reply my question, “The promotion is not good enough. In the end, only a few groups survived.” “If martial arts want to expand the scale, it definitely needs government’s assistance.” Chen declared.


Does the motion of Patrick’s hand look like “Tai Chi Chuan (太極拳)”.
Photo: Vicky Mo

What is the real success?

“In my heart, I do hope that traditional martial arts can be famous,” Coach Chen stressed, “The problem is that some people’s conception about martial arts is not right. If martial arts are just making a series of beautiful performances for audience, it’s not the success we’re always chasing.”

Films made martial arts popular in the world, and then caused some misunderstanding to people, too. Like Coach Chen’s words, “In order to get enrolled into the official competitions, martial arts should make regulations regarding movements to judge contestants’ performance.” “But all kinds of martial arts have the unique characteristics,” Chen said, “it’s difficult to put different sports together to judge.”

Taekwondo has become well-known in Taiwan after Chu Mu-yen (朱木炎) and Chen Shi-shin (陳詩欣) won two gold medals in the Olympic Games in 2004. Have you thought about how is our traditional martial art doing here? If foreigners like Patrick can discover the value hidden in martial arts, what about the people in Taiwan?


“I wish someday I can be the one that nobody can beat me. It’s a dream, but the dream is not bad.” Patrick said.
Photo: Vicky Mo

[M'N'A EXTRA] Those Who Think Alike Gather Together

No matter who they are? No matter what they are doing? No matter where they are from? They found the happiness of sharing when they open the door and join in the atmosphere coming from the competition in these football-watching pubs.

“Tavern” and “Saints and Sinners” are the places providing football games for fans living in Taiwan. It’s normal for foreigners, especially Europeans appearing in these kinds of pubs. Killion Holmes, an Irish, studying at the National Taiwan University, is one of them. He comes to Tavern four days a week, drinks, and plays billiards with his friends. Waitresses know and get along fine with him. “I think there are lots of Taiwanese who love football because many people come here when Arsenal or Manchester United (football clubs in English Premiership) has a competition,” Killion said.

Killion Holmes, an Irish came to Tavern four days a week.
Photo: Vicky Mo

Killion’s point might be right. There are fans in pubs, but not many. “More people will be here when an important competition, like UEFA Champions League is launching,” Shi-qi (詩祺) explained. A student of the Xin-yi Junior High School (信義國中) grew up in Malaysia and went back to Taiwan in 2004, said happily “I found new friends in Tavern. They won’t appear today because some girls flew to England to record the FA Cup that Arsenal plays against Bolton for fans on the website.”

Shi-qi, the junior high school student and also the football player went to Taven with her families.
Photo: Vicky Mo

Long Jun-an (龍俊安), who just completed the military service and is now working, said that he’d call his old friends out when there is a competition. “We (pointed at his two friends sitting beside him) haven’t seen each other nearly two years.” “So you get together for football,” I asked. However, the three guys didn’t agree that they met for games only.

After gone through some adventures in pubs searching and interviewing football fans in the first week, I found the target group on March 19. They are fans, who support a specific football club and wear the team’s uniform. There are five: Sebastian, Carla, Ella, and a girl and a boy who insisted anonymous, showed up in “Saints and Sinners” at 11pm. The waiter prepared their fixed seats before these guys went into the pub. When I asked the waiter if there are any football fans last week, these fans’ faces came out his mind immediately.

Actually, the five members know who I am cause I already introduced myself in their groups from Internet. They just feel weird why I was sure they would appear here. Anyway, the conversation started when Sebastian answered my first question, “I knew these members in 2000 and built the website for Man United in 2001.” The leader of the website and also the teacher of a cram school said.

The five fans of Man United preferred the back cover photo shooting.
Photo: Vicky Mo

Nearly three years ago, the 2002 FIFA World Cup was launching. Taiwanese started to care about football games because the time lag of Japan and South Korea is less than Europe. The anonymous boy, a senior in college confessed, “I have no idea what football is before 2002.” From then on, football fans in Taiwan are gradually gathered together since the synchronous relay.

“We came here if ESPN didn’t relay English Premiership,” Sebastian explained the frequency that they come here. “Unless the time is too late,” She added. The manager also said that she liked the atmosphere spreading from “Saints and Sinners,” “Because everyone stared at the main screen watching the game, unlike those guys watching his/her own screen in Tavern.”

The above saying maybe part of reasons to go to pubs, but wishing someone to share the enthusiasm might be the key point that pushing fans together. “It’s lonely when you watch football games alone.” The nameless boy said with sadness. Ella, working in an Express Delivery Company, agreed his thought and added, “I am afraid that I might disturb my parents if I watched the game at home.”

Summing up the three interviews, fans of Man United are the majority, but why they support the club? The specific player is the first requirement. Shi-qi loved the Man United, Arsenal, and Real Madrid because of the English midfield player David Beckham. As for Sebastian, the Demark goalkeeper, Peter Boleslaw Schmeichel, made her fall in love with Man United in 1998. Other members laughed at the nameless girl with curly hair because she likes Beckham. “That’s right. I like Beckham, but I won’t leave Man United after he transferred to Real Madrid in Spain,” the curly hair girl tried to defend herself.

However, you can still feel fans’ affection when the issue related to some top players, who didn’t get along well with Man United. Both Carla and the nameless boy said, “It’s the most correct thing for Beckham to leave Man United.” “When fans thought the coach Sir Alex Ferguson should take responsibility for Beckham’s transferring, I feel uncomfortable,” Sebastian admitted. Furthermore, Ella doesn’t appreciate the Brazilian midfield Ronaldinho because he changed his mind to play for Barcelona, the club of Spanish La Liga in 2003 after he has made negotiations with Man united for a long time.”

Of course, fans will appreciate the football clubs for many interesting reasons. Even so, Sebastian described the unique thought, “Man United works like family. Fans can feel the same closeness from their affection.” Suddenly, the anonymous boy talked about another competition of Chelsea play against Crystal Palace from the screen on the right side with her. I wondered their feelings about the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich spent over one billion buying top players all over the world in the last two years. The boy smiled, “don’t you see we are supporting the rival of Chelsea?” “Fans of Chelsea may not have the loyalty as their players changed all the time.” Sebastian noted.

Except for the supporting movements they did in Taiwan, Sebastian, Ella, and Carla had been flown to England to watch Man United play, “it’s so different to see their performance in their own stadium.” “Most important thing is everybody shouted together is great,” the three girls said happily. Like Shi-qi’s words, “Yelling with friends is correct when you are watching football competitions.”

Shouting could be the happiest thing for Shi-qi. Her loud voice attracted my attention in a noisy pub. As for the nameless boy and Ella, they shouted too, but the cheering method is a little bit different. Ella sang the team song when the game is running, and the boy applauded loudly for the players who are ready to leave the field. They pay their whole attention to the competition, and it’s embarrassed to bother them at that moment.

The other necessary thing for fans is wearing uniform. All interviewees have their supporting team’s shirt. For instance, Killion has seven uniforms belonging separately to five different teams. Shi-qi has four. A friend of Long Jun-an bought him a shirt of Arsenal in London. He didn’t wear it that day. “It’s too cold,” he explained by shivering. The nameless boy is special. He wore the uniform of Man United in 1999 and said proudly as I looked at his shirt, “Sebastian gave me this uniform.”

Qiu De-zhen, the chief editor of POTS, standed in back of the anonymous boy and pointed at the Man United's mark of the boy's uniform.
Photo: Vicky Mo

In order to contact the latest news, Sebastian subscribed the official magazine of Man United. As an English teacher, she didn’t feel pressure on the content. “I have some difficulty reading these English magazines, so I only read the ones that I’m interested in,” The anonymous boy described how he gets the info on magazines.

The interview lasted nearly two hours, Sebastian often called Man United “Our team,” “Our coach,” and “Our players.” It sounds like the team belongs to them. Once they mentioned the team and players they love, everyone smile and the happiness showed on their faces (interviewees are all the same). Sebastian said, “Man united made us come here and get together. I am confident that we can stay by their side forever.”

Talking about that many fans support Man United in Taiwan, Sebastian said that she thought Beckham had made some contributions. “A part of people break away because his leaving from the England Man United, but some more fans stayed and supported the England club.”

Unexpectedly, Ella asked me, “Do you also support Man United?” They are the first interviewees wondered which team I support. Speaking the truth, which team I am back is not important. I just admire their love for the club. Finally, they found that I don’t have any supporting teams because the player I like is suffering from knee and shoulder injury. Sebastian told me seriously, “Some football fans website can’t last longer because it can’t rely only on some star players but the whole team’s performance. Fans will disappear when the player got injured, or transferred to another team. However the club is always there, you can support it forever.” She also remembered, “I even wanted to close my website because I can’t stand the loneliness. These guys’ support helped me to carry on.”

Rumors from Internet, I am a little bit wondered how these interviewees get along with other fans supporting another team. “We will joke but not argue with them,” said Killion. Shi-qi feels proudly, “I taught some girls to learn how to watch football games.” And, Long Jun-an said that he won’t quarrel with people, “the number of football fans is too small. We will talk to them if we meet some Taiwanese fans.”

Unfortunately, the five members are not as lucky as the above fans. They met unfriendly people once. “A foreigner sat and spoke the four-letter-words to us,” the nameless boy said. “Do you argue with them?” I asked. He waved his head, “My English is not good enough to fight. Smith, our friend in England, can help us if he is here that day.” But, he added, “We are not afraid because we get more backup force.” “What did he say? He was afraid!” Carla laughed after she heard his answer.

The chief editor was talking with Carla (wore the red uniform), and Sebastian (wore the plaid sweater) after Man United won the competition.
Photo: Vicky Mo

Another conflict came from the members of “Football Fever,” the only football magazine in Taiwan, and no longer lived after January in 2005; the leader explained why they don’t like these fans. “We loved our players, so do them. But these guys often judged players’ performance and said they can do it better if they are playing in the field.” The boy continued, “They think they know football very well so they treat fans severely when other fans have difficulty in watching football games.”

“In fact, we don’t talk to other fans.” After the nameless boy answered, Sebastian pointed out some people sitting opposite the bar. “They are Man United’s fans, too. We recognize them form their movement in watching the game.” “We don’t talk to them because their faces don’t look friendly,” Nameless boy joked.

Maybe, people cannot go to the same direction even though they have something in common. But I still remember that I can’t help screaming when the player almost scored although I’m not a fan of them in the end of the competition that Man United played against Fulham. No matter what, I guess we just can’t deny it’s nice to share your feeling with others happening to have the same interes.

They were reday to pay the bill as the two hour interview was almost over.
p.s Ella (second of right) looked at the camera, and the nameless girl sat left beside her.
Photo: Vicky Mo

[M'N'A EXTRA] Can Wenger's Team break the record in the Champions League?

Arsene Wenger coach of the British soccer club Arsenal London smiles during a news conference at Munich's airport, February 21, 2005. Arsenal London will play soccer club Bayern Munich in a Champions League Group C match on Tuesday.
Photo: REUTERS/Michaela Rehle

The England football club Arsenal will play against the German football club Bayern Munich in the last 16 tie of UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, February 21, 2005. Arsene Wenger, the coach of Arsenal made his mind not to train his team at Munich Olympic stadium before the match.

“It’s normal for us not to practice on the away pitch.” Wenger said at Munich airport on Monday. “There are always spies, sitting in the corner and watching what you do. You never get any privacy.”

Wenger has serious problems of injury and sickness. England defender Sol Campbell is out of the list due to ankle injury, and his national teammate Ashely Cole, the left-back was laid on the bed for almost a week with a severe flu. Wenger admitted, “Cole has not fully recovered. He should be fine by the weekend but we are not yet completely confident that he can play in the Champions League game.”

In order to solve these disturbances, Wenger tried to put Freddie Ljungberg to the front-line. The Sweden player usually plays the role of midfield with Dennis Bergkamp, who is not part of the squad because three-match bans judged by the Football Association. Bergkamp was sent off by referee in the fifth round of FA Cup last Saturday. Arsenal still appeal the judgment for the Dutchman, “Bergkamp didn’t hit or push the Sheffield’s Danny Cullip,” said Wenger.

The Arsenal coach also worried about the bad weather in Munich. “It is a concern. If the pitch were frozen then it would be a problem for us as we are not used to it. But there is under-soil heating so it should hopefully be a normal pitch.”

Bayern Munich, the rival of Arsenal, beat Borussia Dortmund by 5-0 in Bundesliga last Saturday. The Dutch striker Roy Makaay scored a hat-trick for Bayern. Wenger explained, “The powerful club such as Bayern Munich has a lot of players, who can score. For Arsenal, the most important thing is avoiding their midfield players pass balls to Makaay or other forwards. We have to try our best to defend.”

Wenger also confessed, “Bayern has lots of experiences in the Champions League and been crowned European champions four times. It will be a very difficult team to play against.”

Arsenal has a poor record in Europe. Gunners only reach the quarterfinals last season, before being eliminated by Chelsea, the champion in England Premiership up to now. The Frenchman Wenger still has confidence with his players although the condition of the competition is tough. “We will give you the answer Tuesday night.” said Wenger.

Reading Material : Blog awards: Like blogs, they're diverse, global and freewheeling

Read this before next class, we will address on this issue.

Fei Xiang Concert - Put the Oldies and Broadway songs together

Fei Xiang (right) and Heather Laws (left)
Courtesy of Forward Music

People haven’t seen Fei Xiang (費翔) since his last record, Wild Flower (野花), in 2001 and 2002, when he published his first book, Twelve Gold Keys For Fei Xiang (給費翔的12把金鑰匙). Now, the famous singer returns to Taiwan, his home before his 1987 relocation to China, again to promote his new record, Broadway Album, and his concert, Summon Wind and Rain (呼風喚雨), which will take place at the Taipei International Center on Jan 21 and 22.

It’s the first time for Fei Xiang to host his own concert that audience has to pay. For this concert, to be presented by Kuang Hong Arts (寬宏藝術), Fei gets ready to reminisce with us his classic hits from the past two decades and some popular Broadway music, some of which he has taken parts sometime within the last decade. The exact repertories are a secret, however. According to Ms. Yang of public relations at Kuang Hong Arts, “Fei Xiang wants to surprise the audience, so I can’t talk too much about the details of concert. We even don’t know his next plan of tour.”

“In this past year, Fei had been busy touring China, with a series of solo concerts in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang, Chengdu, and Wuhan.”

For his Taipei concert, Fei has invited Tony Award winner Rofer Kirk (The King and I) as costume design for him and his twelve dancers. According to Yang, this is not the first partnership between Fei and Kirk.

Other big names in the production team include Guo Zi (郭子), Zhong Xing-min (鐘興民), and Zhang Sheng-feng (張勝豐), in an attempt “to adjust different audience and music market,” said Yang.

In addition, there will be a special appearance by Broadway actress Heather Laws, singing a tune from “The Phantom of the Opera” and another from “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina.” Heather Laws was last seen in musical, “Boy from OZ,” with Hugh Jackman.

Fei hopes that the audience will enjoy the best sounds and light effects from the stage and appreciate his 23-year singing career. After all, as a star, the process of Fei Xiang’s performing career has been varied and graceful. He made his first appearance in 1981 in Cheng Ai-jia (張艾嘉)’s teleplay, “Eleven Women (十一個女人)”. Fei began his music career a year later. His first albums included Linger (流連) and Asking Sunset (問斜陽). Since then, he has also appeared in the films with entertainers of Hong Kong, like Liang Jia-ren (梁家仁), Zhong Chu-hong (鍾楚紅), and Taiwanese actor Lin Rui-yang (林瑞陽) from 1984 to 1985. Unexpectedly, the Taiwan-based singer transfers his career to China in 1987. Due to the political reason, he doesn’t come back to Taiwan until 2000.

In 1987, Fei Xiang sang the two songs, “Fire of Winter (冬天裡的一把火)” and “Clouds of Hometown (故鄉的雲),” in the Spring Festival Show (春節聯歡晚會). His Chinese-American facial features quickly won numbers of fans. Fei gave sisty-three solo concerts in twelve Chinese cities in 1989. When he picked up Taiwanese singers’ successful songs and Western oldies as a producer, the album sold twenty million copies. The record is still unbroken.

Once again, he felt his career was at a standstill; he changed his name back to his born-name Kris Philips in 1991 and auditioned for Broadway, eventually landing a role in “Miss Saigon”, and later, cooperating with Andrew Lloyd Webber, in the international tour “Cats”.

Tao Jing-ying (陶晶瑩), hostess of entertain news programs tried to find her idol in “Super Sunday (超級星期天)” in 2000. The program made the huge impression after Fei showed up. People felt surprised about his voice, gentle figure, and the looking, these things don’t change even the day past. Fei Xiang came back to Taiwan, signed the contract with “Forward Music (風華唱片)”, and made two albums for Taiwanese audience.

Due to Fei’s hard working in his career, Yang is confident about this upcoming concert. “Fei Xiang has many fans that across age,” she said. “Some people was his loyal fans when he made performance in the early 1980s; He won some young fans’ heart after his return; and the newest record has attracted some audience, too.” Yang continued, “Fei sings many kinds of songs, no matter what their styles are. I believe that foreigners would also like his music because of his various experiments in singing.”

“Fei Xiang Concert” will perform on Jan 21and 22 at 7:30 pm at Taipei International Convention Center, located at 1, Sec 5, Hsinyi Rd, Taipei (台北市信義路五段一號). Tickets cost NT$1200-3600. Please go to the ERAticket website at www.ticket.com.tw or Kuang Hong Arts website at www.kham.com.tw, and call 07-7403466 for more information.

Moment Forever Concert - the Big Gambling for Oldies Market

The poster of Moment Forever Concert
Courtesy of Red Music Company

When the world keeps running, things can't help changing. Young people have controlled the music market; the characteristics of their songs have more rhythm and technical effects. In this period, "Moment Forever Concert－Meet Oldies on Wednesday" (瞬間永恆在週三－老歌演唱會) still show up to concern about the oldies again by the whole year's performing.

Red Music Company (大紅音樂工作室), which is a record company and they have produced albums for singers, like Wen Zhang (文章), Yu Tai-yan (于台煙), and Cheng Feng-feng (張鳳鳳). "Three years ago, the record market all over the world started declining for illegal downloading, fake record, and disc copying. The company has lost twenty to thirty million dollars worth of benefit, but we are still struggling to survive. Hosting the concert is a way we are doing now." Pei Hong-qi (裴紅麒), some people called him Brother Lang (郎哥), the stage director of the Concert said. Red Music Company will present "Moment Forever Concert" on Jan 5 and continue performing until Dec. 28, 2005, at the Taipei Family Theater (台北市親子劇場) at 7:30 p.m. Brother Lang said that there would be a total of thirty-nine concerts this year. Two shows will be held in Taipei every two weeks, and one show in Kaohsiung every four weeks. Lang seriously explained, "we have prepared the show for half a year. The concert is the last chance for us."

As for the main purpose of making the concert, Lang felt sad about the media right now in Taiwan, "the media, especially the electronic ones, is always chasing affairs and scandals. I can't ask our performers wearing swimsuit or having affairs in order to promote. It's out of the question. The media doesn't care what the fifty-year-olds really like. Allow me to say something impolite, many of the old people just stay at home and wait for death." Lang continued, "the concert is trying to help people to recall their memories by these old songs. You might think of your first lover's sweet words when you hear some specific songs."

We also hope that the atmosphere of the society can be corrected by this kind of show. Lately, the society was getting worse and worse. Lang mentioned Taiwan's unique culture, "some old soldiers went to the Red Envelope Place (紅包場) to listen twenty years ago. These men missed their hometown after the internal war was over. They needed a place to effuse their emotion. At that time, the literary quality of audience is quite good, these guys would tell the singers what kind of song is better to sing." He added that singers could get some red envelopes as an extra salary from the audience when their performance was great. Singers can make communication with audience more in a singing place (歌廳) like Bai Le Men (百樂門), it imitated the old Bai Le Men in Shanghai, which usually performing the songs back to 1910s and 1920s. The Restaurant provides drinks. What is different is that the performers don't accept the audience's choice of songs but theirs only.

"Now, Red Envelope Place is not only making performance, too much Red Envelopes have formed a vicious contest. Some Red Envelope Places have hired some twenty-year-olds on the stage to attract audience." Lang delivered his opinion about the social problem. But he also emphasized, "our concert don't want to hurt the other culture in Taiwan, it's just a friendly competition."

Going back to the concert; Brother Lang explained, "Oldies mean singing over twenty years. Actually, when one song had been singing over ten years, it might be the oldies. Singers will also sing some English and Taiwanese old songs, so the show has affluent elements. "But the concert won't appear the newest one, like 'Take Off (脫掉)' by Alex Du (杜德偉)." He joked.

Ba Ge (巴戈), the former jamboree chair and Wang Meng-Lin (王夢麟), a folk singer, are the hosts. They will appear at the stage together in the whole year, and also make performance for audience. The Chinese Opera diva, Cheng Feng-feng is the lead performer; her personal show may take forty minutes. "Liang and Chu－The Butterfly Lovers" is one of her classic programs. Other current singers include Xie Lei (謝雷), Li Yi-jun (李翌君), and Lily Duet (百合二重唱). "Lily Duet will sing as the opening performer, Li Yi-jun, Xie Lei follow their step, and Cheng Feng-feng will be the last singer. There are around four group singers in each concert, everyone has half an hour to perform, and every interview during the break will finish in three to five minutes that hosts will take control." Lang stated the condition of performance. He also noted that the repertories range from thirty to sixty periods. "Besides, we will change the programs and singers every two months so the audience can enjoy different shows."

When reporter wondered that there is some assistance came from the Taipei City Hall, Lang quickly explained, "The launch of the Moment Forever Concert was held all by ourselves. The Taipei City Hall only offers the place." He also spoke of some problems, "The Taipei Family Theater is a kind of stage used for dramatic performance. Though the theater is close to the audience, the atmosphere is warm. The lights, sounds are not as professional as a stage that we want. Therefore, we had to ask designers to create a suitable stage for the concert."

The Red Music Company has to spend nearly one million dollars for each concert. However, Lang didn't care about the huge investment, "We don't intend to make money, and it will be great if we don't lose too much. There are only 799 seats at the Taipei Family Theater. The company might earn three million dollars in this year, but the balance meets only if all the tickets are sold out. Even so, the benefit cannot cover all the costs we've invested. Furthermore, two percent of the box office will be donated to the United Way Association (聯合勸募協會)." Lang insisted, "Our company signed the contract with the United Way. The listing of the names of the audience will be posted big at the entrance. We originally wanted to use the episcope, but that's the payout once again. These donation represented that we help audience doing the charity."

At present, the box office is not bad. Lang said, "we have almost sold ninety percent and the concert is continuing a whole year so the audience can watch the show when they feel like in 2005. The worst thing is that many people don't know anything about our show. On one hand, we have some problem regarding promotion, you know, the television propaganda is expensive. And it was a pity that TV anchor didn't allow us to take too much time to promote the concert. So Cheng Feng-feng can't say much about the show but sing during an interview because they don't want their news program becoming commercial; On the other hand, the people we try to attract is mostly fifty years old or older, they don't have the habit to surf on the Internet, and don't know where and how they can buy the tickets." Lang mentioned that people came from southern Taiwan even spent high prices asking other people to buy tickets for them. "We really want to contact these people by spreading the news but the media everyone used is different, how should we do to let these audience aware of the show is difficult. If we want everyone know the concert, the cost will be thirty to forty million." Lang said distressfully.

"Our biggest wish is the information of this concert can attract as many people as possible, even the foreigners who have lived in Taiwan for a long time; some of them might grow up with these oldies." Lang also described his unique opinion, "I hope son and daughter can help their parents to buy the tickets to show their filial affection, and come here to appreciate the show together. If it works, the problem of selling site and channel will be solving.

The premiere of the concert is approaching; the crews worked in Red Music Company still need improvements. Lang said, "our benefit is not great, so I can't hire too many people, and really need someone who're useful, relieve some pressure when we are preparing the concert."

Finally, Lang mentioned, "The prices of other solo concerts in Taiwan are expensive, and the organizers usually present only one or two shows, the audience cannot watch the show if they missed this chance." The "Moment Forever Concert" will continue a whole year; you don't need to worry the timing and you can easily enjoy the show at the fixed venue and time. Get away the pressure for a while, just sit down and listen to these old songs.

"Moment Forever Concert" will be held for a whole year at Taipei Family Theater, located at 2F, No.1, Shifu Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei City 110 (台北市110信義區市府路一號二樓). Tickets cost 500-1700. For more information, please go to the ERAticket website at www.ticket.com.tw or call Red Music Company at (02) 27079548.

Lost Behind the Door, the Deep Reflection of the Disturbed Life

The lead players, from left to right, Sun Yuen-cheng, Ni Min-ren, Xia Yi, and Fu Reh
Photo: Vicky Mo


According to the photographers' asking, performers re-acted their movements
Photo: Vicky Mo

“To me, the most difficult thing is how to bring people to each theatre when we’re playing.” said Xia Yi (夏禕), the lead actress of "Lost Behind the Door" (大宅，門都沒有). Tonight, the reaction of the audience may not have disappointed her at all. Laughter and standing ovations came from everyone watching each scene. Xia mentioned that performers have tried to attract people’s attention by creative atmosphere, because to each audience’s character is different; and thus the actors would like to catch their feelings and emotions.

The lead actor Ni Min-ren (倪敏然) said in a news conference, “As an actor, the most important thing is to have the affirmation from audience.” For instance, when we finished our play in Zhongli, Fu Reh (傅雷another actor) returned to the backstage, sat on the chair and stayed for half an hour. He was deeply moved by the audience’s reaction, they gave him sanding ovations for 4 minutes.” “This helped me to think about my performance.” Fu Reh stated.

Kuang Hong Arts (寬宏藝術工作室) presented "Lost Behind the Door" on Saturday, Dec 18 at 7:30 pm in National Theatre (國家戲劇院). Ni Min-ren happily said, “These shows in Taiwan are the last additional performances before another tour of 30 show in China. We just finished the theatre in Zhongli, and the performance in Xinzhu will be on Jan 15, 2005.”


Ian Mon showed up, hoping Jean Wang to forgivie him
Photo: Vicky Mo

The background of "Lost Behind the Door" was set in 1928. At that time, there were chaos everywhere in China due to internal wars and warlords. A woman, Jean Wang (王克琴) who has had married six husbands, which none survived, went to her old lover, Kylin Ma (馬麒麟) in a troupe. They built a gambling house for living, but Kylin Ma lost his own property. Even the door had been seized. In order to make money, they restarted their original career -- performing. At the premiere, Jean Wang’s sixth husband, Ian Mon (孟恩遠) appeared. In fact, he didn’t die in a battle, so he showed up in front of Jean Wang and asked her to go back to him. The condition of the story became complicated due to the three characters’ wrangle.


Jean Wang was angry, she didn't want to go with Ian Mon
Photo: Vicky Mo

Talking about the title of the theatre, Xia said, “The name of this theatre represented failure and the sense of being lost. People failed to do anything.” She mentioned that this feeling also reflected the real life. As for the character she played, Xia Yi expressed, “Historically, Jean Wang was a real figure, but she didn’t marry six husbands. That’s theatre. People created the story.” “We have plan to do televised series, and these husbands will appear in the teleplay.” Said Xia.


"You should commit suicide if you failed to win the battle," Godot Yo said seriously
Photo: Vicky Mo


At one point, Jean Wand makes her decision. She wanted to stay with Kylin Ma, even the door had been seized
Photo: Vicky Mo

Touring sites of "Lost Behind the Door" in China include Beijing, Wuhan, Tientsin and Shanghai. Performers would speak a little bit Shanghaiese when they make performance in Shanghai.

The last two performances in Taipei will be on Sunday, Dec 19 at 2:30 pm and 7:30 in National Theatre, located at 21-1, Chungshan S. Rd., Taipei (台北市中山南路21之1號) - on the south side of the plaza. Tickets cost NT$400-2000. For more information, please go to the ERAticket website at www.ticket.com.tw or Kuang Hong Arts website at www.kham.com.tw, and call Kuang Hong Arts at (07) 7401526.

Dance of Desire, Irish Tap Dance, Newest Group to Came as Part of Local Trend

Zoltan Papp and Tanya Cunningham, the King and the Queen
Source: www.danceofdesire.com

“There are a lot of tap dance groups in Ireland. Dance of Desire (慾望之舞) is one of them, but the choreography is different from others,” said Miss Zhang, the public relations officer of Jing Yin Art Corporation (靖音藝術有限公司). As for the question why those kind of group came to Taiwan so many times? She said “The famous group River Dance brings tap dance to the whole world; lots of people loved it, including Taiwanese audience. According to the precedent, our company decided to invite Dance of Desire to do performances.”

"Dance of Desire", a new tap dance group in Ireland will give their performance on Dec 11, 12 at 2:30 pm, and Dec 11 at 7:30 pm in Taipei International Convention Center (台北國際會議中心).


Lisa Anderson, the stepmother Aoife
Source: www.danceofdesire.com

"Dance of Desire" is a story based on the power and passion of the Celtic Legends of Erin. In a land before time began, a land of ancient gods, of high Kings and warring Queens. When the wife of the King Lir died, he married her sister Aoife. Due to his great love for his four children their stepmother became insanely jealous and plotted a terrible revenge. It is important for King to protect his children by using the magic Sword of Light from evil wielded by the wicked Queen because the bearer of the Sword bestowed absolute power.

The performance in Taiwan had a lot of creative performing manners and added many colorful decorations. It’s a romantic Irish dance, which combined tradition and modernity. At the same time, "Dance of Desire" filled with energy and charming dancing, including Jazz, Ballet, Tango, and Arab. All the music and body language will inspire your deep enthusiasm.

Miss Zhang said, “It’s the first time for Dance of Desire to come to Taiwan. They are a new dimension group, made their premiere in Dublin by 2003.” She also expressed that "Dance of Desire" had already been to Korea and Malaysia, and players will go to China after they finished performances in Taiwan. The Island is an important target of Asian music.

The tap dance runs performances on Dec 11 and 12 at Taipei International Convention Center, located at 1, Sec 5, Hsinyi Rd, Taipei (台北市信義路五段一號). Tickets cost NT$400-3000 and are available on-line at www.artsticket.com.tw or www.ticket.com.tw. Please call Jing Yin Art Corporation at (02) 23656287 for more information.

Light up the Night, the Annual Christmas Event to Warm Your Heart

The so called 20-feet-high Christmas tree
Phtot: Vicky Mo

National Theater and Concert Hall (兩廳院) gave their annual event "Light up the Night" (耶誕點燈) on Saturday, Nov 27, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. in the National Theater's outdoor plaza (戲劇院生活廣場). It's the third time to present this performance since 2002. In the beginning of winter, the smell of coffee accompanying a 20-feet-high Christmas tree, colorful bubbles, waterscape, and a lot of brilliant Christmas songs to warm people in Taipei. You can enjoy all of them for free.

First, Hand bell group of Dan-Jiang Senior High School (淡江中學手鐘團) used 53 different sized hand bells to present the unique sound. The hand bell group was founded in 1911 and had improved music education nearly 100 years; Semibreve Saxophone Quartet (全音符薩克斯風四重奏) following the hand bell group to play. One child came to the stage just to touch the saxophone wanting to see how it was sounded out of curiosity. Finally, Rong-Shing Choir (榮星合唱團), a 47-year-old group, sang some traditional Xmas songs to warm people's heart. Each performance representing the sound we hear during Christmas. For example, the handbell, originated from England, usually appears in church. A Belgian harpist invented the saxophone, belonging to the brass in 1844, which was later used widely by American jazz music.

The hostess asked some questions about Christmas and informed the audience regarding specific instruments. Everyone attending the activity did not only enjoy the Christmas songs, but also knew more information about music.

Students, lovers, families, foreigners, and children running everywhere, all attended this activity. Three girls from Tamkang University (淡江大學) said "The performance was pretty good, and the atmosphere was warm." An opposite opinion came from Miss Zhong "I thought the length of each program is too long. Performers should play more happy songs, otherwise it makes people sleepy." Mrs. Chen, who took care of her little boy and girl expressed "They loved listening to music, but children don't have patience to sit quietly for long."

In the end of the show all the lights of Christmas tree were turned on, and the fireworks appeared at the same time. One guy was a little bit shocked because of the cracking sound. People ran into the waterscape for fun and got wet after the water gushing out. Some audience promised that they would come here next time no matter whatever source they know this event. Mr. Qiu, a student, asked his classmates come with him said "I found Light up the Night from POTS. I might join the National Theater's outdoor plaza event next year."


People went into the waterscape after the show finished
Photo: Vicky Mo

The Ending of the Theatre “Wind Blow Cloud Gone” is Depending on You

A Yun (left, Yang Gui-mei play) found A Feng (right, Xu Hua-qian play) have an affair
Courtesy of the director, Lee Chien-chang

After the light turned down, the show "Wind Blow Cloud Gone" (雲淡風輕) started. A woman’s voice came out, she was sleeping, a deep sleep, she didn’t want to wake up, and she could not open her eyes, either. The director, Lee Chien-chang (李建常), expressed that the narrative of this theatre came from one of his classmates in college, who became brain dead because of an unknown fire accident. “I was wondering what she thought? If she had a lover to take care of her, what her life would be? The scene that she laid on the sickbed occurred in my mind, and the story happened.”

Off Performance Workshop (外表坊), a experimental theatre company, gave their performance Wind Blow Cloud Gone on Nov. 20 afternoon at Crown Art Center Theatre (皇冠小劇場). Today is the nineteenth show since Nov 4.


A Feng and A Yun were discussing their future before the fire acident
Courtesy of the director, Lee Chien-chang

The story is about two classmates. The actress found her boyfriend fall in love with the other man when they were preparing the course theatre "Fool For Love" (愚愛). One day, the actor went to the airport to see the man off. At the same time, the actress became unconscious because of the fire accident. From now on, he tried to take care of his girlfriend all by himself, and waited for the unknown future. Three different space-time scenes constituted the show. “It’s easier for me to change the space and time in theatre, when I use the light and music well, we build up certain chemistry with the audience.” The director felt proud of that.


Audience can talk with players after the theatre finished
Courtesy of the director, Lee Chien-chang

The art director provided three colors as the three endings for audience to choose from. There was a small election during the break. The final version of the ending scene would show up according to what the audience voted for. The actor Xu Hua-qian (徐華謙) said, “I would like to play the red one, it’s happier, and the mood would be much better.” “In order to watch different endings, some audience came to Crown Art Center Theatre so many times or suggested other people vote for one specific color.” Lee and Xu thought it was funny. They added these colors that are related to psychology, but they didn’t quite understand the meaning of each one. Only the art director knew that.

As for the organization of Off Performance Workshop, the director and the actor explained that when the theatre group grows, they had the responsibility to adjust audience’s pleasure; sometimes performers might be limited by disturbances. So Off Performance Workshop was founded in 2000 to avoid this constraint. People here just want to create and perform. They said that they hope the audience could get closer with them through these experiments, and choose from the three conclusions is one of them.

Qi Qi (琦琦), one of the characters in the theatre indirectly made the actress become brain dead. The key character is a guy, who had an affair with the actor. “The character was a woman originally, but we could not find the right actress to play the part, so we have replaced a man as the role. We looked back to the script and thought it could be done,” they explained.

Off Performance Workshop presented the theatre “Wind Blow Cloud Gone” in 2001. Due to actor Xu’s insistence, the current event, for example, typhoon, politics this year, the unconscious actress were kept the same. “But those old situation is pretty much the same this year.” the director said with laughter.

“Wind Blow Cloud Gone” was Off Performance Workshop’s repertoire (定目劇) in 2004. The idea of repertoire is from the Off-Broadway, which rented the theatre to perform for a long time. Xu said that Off Performance Workshop brought these conceptions to Taiwan, and hoped the Taiwanese people would accept the subject of performance easily by this generalization and the forever theatre. “National Theater and National Concert Hall (兩廳院) might have the show "the Phantom of the Opera" (歌劇魅影) as the repertoire to make performance in 2006.”

No matter what happens in the future, the ambition to perform won’t change. “Every movement, every training section we were taught at school will appear in the show because the skills have been transplanted in our blood,” said the director.

"Wind Blow Cloud Gone" still have performances from Nov 23-28 at the Crown Art Center Theatre, located at B1, No 50, Lane 120, Dunhua N Rd (台北市敦化北路120巷50號B1). Tickets cost NT$350 and are available on-line at www.artsticket.com.tw or www.pwshop.com. Please call Off Performance Workshop at (02) 26982323 or Crown Art Center Theatre at (02) 2514-8486 ext.101 for more information.

The Crazy Comedy “The Venetian Twins” will Give You Ssomething More Than an Acting and Happiness

The public relationa officer said that those dresses are really expensive
Source: www.iammissbobo.blogspot.com

This is the third time for the Performance Workshop (表演工作坊) to adapt an Italian Art Comedy personage Carlo Goldni’s author. Goldni is the person who made commedia dell’Arte became reality. Commedia dell’Arte originated in Renaissance in Italy. It’s not the comedy which lets performers do anything they want, this kind of theatre has a standardized way of high skill act. Actors made acrobatics to attract people, and also diversify the performance. The public relations officer Luo La (羅拉) of Performance Workshop said “Taiwanese people love this form of performing. When directors Lai Sheng-chuan (賴聲川) and Zhong Xin- zhi (鍾欣志) changed the original script, they focused on individuality of each performer. As for the content, the spirit and the laughing point will maintain.”

The story of "The Venetian Twins" (威尼斯雙胞案) is about two twin brothers who were departed since they were children. And when they grow up, the two brothers come to the city to find their own love. Mistakes made the story more complex and laughable. There is only one actor to play the twins on the stage, of course they can’t appear at the same time, even all the audience knows it, still they are confused by the misunderstanding. Either the enemy looked for the wrong person or the same condition happened to each brother’s date.

“We already had the project early this year,” Luo La expressed. The Venetian Twins, the annual theatre of Performance Workshop is going to be performed by many theatre freshman, for example, Wei Yi-cheng (韋以丞), who was famous because the show Mumble Jumble (亂民全講); Melody (殷悅), a new blood of pop music. Luo La said “The story happened in Italy, Melody’s background is really adapted to this role cause she grew up abroad.”

After the performance in Taipei, “The Venetian Twins” is ready to make people laugh again. They will perform in Zhongli on Nov 13 - 14; in Kaohsiung on Nov 20 - 21; in Taichung on Nov 27 - 28. Tickets cost NT$270-1620, Luo La said even the tickets sold is not as expected, they are still promoting the show. For more information, please go to the ERAticket website at www.ticket.com.tw, and the Performance Workshop website at www.pwshop.com, or call (02) 26982323.

Admin comment: Did everyone register?

All the posts look good. I'm pretty sure this will make a good class web site, with plenty of readers.

But there are only five posts so far.

Vicky Wu - you posted your article as a "Comment" to Annie Sun's article, but it should be postede as a regular "Post." If you had problems registering or any questions, please let me know. (You can use email or the "Comments" thread under this post.)

Everyone else, if you see a classmate that hasn't posted yet, please let them know. Once everyone is registered, this will be easy.

As for other blog/blogger functions - posting pictures, coming up with a regular format, choosing administrators - we'll discuss that in class on Friday.

Once Again, Tap Dance “Lord of the Dance” Get Ready to Captivate You

All the dancers of Lord of the Dance
Source: www.lordofthedance.com

The world famous tap dance will perform at Taipei International Convention Center (台北國際會議中心) from Nov. 2 – 7, 2004. It’s the second time for players to come to Taiwan. Kuang Hong Arts (寬宏藝術工作室) said that the performers, who play in Taiwan, are Troupe One. They are the best group among the three "Lord of the Dance" (舞王) troupes. They’re going to arrive in Taiwan for two weeks only for the Taiwanese people even their touring schedule is very tight. “Lord of the Dance” had received a lot of standing ovations when they made performance in January this year.


Michael Flatley, the director
Source: www.cherwomen.com

Michael Flatley, the creative director, is the record holder of the tap dance in the World Guinness Book. One of Kuang Hong Arts’ workers expressed “Michael likes to visit Taiwan, however he doesn’t have time. Recently he is preparing his new program.”


Damian O'kane, The Lord of Dance
Source: www.lordofthedance.com

"Lord of the Dance" is a tap dance group, which combined Irish ordinary dance and creative performing skills. Dancers can put some colors on their face, and there are fire explored on the stage when performers’ arms waved. In the story of "Lord of the Dance", Michael is an ideal character. His army overcame the devil, and returned peace to Ireland.


Bernadette Flynn, The actress
Source: www.lordofthedance.com

The Irish melodies, composed by Ronan Hardiman will accompany the beautiful dancing, just like floating in the air and regular movements. Those parts of performances will certainly attract audience; furthermore, "Lord of the Dance" will bring you into the dream world.


Leigh Ann McKenna, The Teptress
Source: www.lordofthedance.com

"Lord of the Dance" will perform from Nov 2 to Nov 7 at Taipei International Convention Center, located at 1, Sec 5, Hsinyi Rd, Taipei (台北市信義路五段一號). Tickets cost NT$600-3600. Please go to the ERAticket website at www.ticket.com.tw or Kuang Hong Arts website at www.kham.com.tw, and call 07-7403466 for more details.


The Bad Lord
Source: www.lordofthedance.com