Location: Taichung
Travel Notes Summary: National Taichung Theater, Jiutian Folk Arts Troupe, 'Shu-Ha-Ri'. Ruiying's husband was directing and performing at the theater tonight and got me a VIP ticket. It's a bit embarrassing—I've visited theaters all over the world, from Broadway in New York to Seoul's Jongno District, Russian dance shows, Macau's House of Dancing Water, Northeast Chinese Errenzhuan, Thai ladyboy shows... Impression West Lake, Impression Yangshuo, Impression Lijiang, Impression Wulong... from opera houses and concert halls to outdoor immersive shows and experiential theaters, I've seen countless performances. Yet, in my hometown Taichung, I'd never been to the National Taichung Theater for a show. So, thank you, Ruiying, for this opportunity. Tonight's performance was a cultural collision between traditional temple parade arts and DJ electronic remixes. Drums, dance, electronic music, parade formations, DJ... each art form seemed independent but was cleverly integrated through design. After the show, I bought a NT$699 Jiutian T-shirt outside. The troupe has had a tough year due to the pandemic, so this is a small gesture of support. After saying hello to Ruiyi's f…
