Hsiang Theatre left a lasting impression on Japanese audiences with their performance of "The Sound of Itako" at Tokyo's Honda Theatre. This production, directed by Hsiang Theatre’s Artistic Director Chung Po-yuan, not only showcased the depth of Taiwanese culture but also marked a new milestone in Taiwan-Japan theatre collaboration, opening a new chapter in theatrical exchange between the two countries. The performance attracted numerous Japanese performing arts professionals and local residents, who witnessed the strength of contemporary Taiwanese theatre.
Shinichiro Honda, the manager of Honda Theatre, highly praised Hsiang Theatre’s performance and revealed plans to send a Japanese theatre troupe to Taiwan for a performance this November to further enhance cultural exchange. He emphasized that this collaboration is a result of years of Taiwan-Japan exchanges, expressing hope to continue inviting more Taiwanese troupes to Japan for performances, deepening cultural ties between the two countries.
Chung Po-yuan shared the creative vision behind "The Sound of Itako," noting that the piece not only conveys the language and culture of Taiwan but also reflects the diversity of contemporary society and its connection to global issues. He hopes that such works can bring Taiwanese stories to more Japanese audiences, fostering greater mutual understanding between the two cultures.
Hsiang Theatre's "The Sound of Itako" received enthusiastic responses from the entire audience during its performance at Honda Theatre B1 Studio. (Photo/Source: Ministry of Culture, provided by Lee Yi-chen)
Tseng Chin-lung, Director of the Taiwan Cultural Center in Japan, stated that Hsiang Theatre’s successful performance at Honda Theatre was a significant breakthrough in Taiwan-Japan performing arts exchanges. Through program exchanges, the two sides have gradually established a stable platform for interaction, laying a solid foundation for future collaborations. Tseng also mentioned that this November, Hsiang Theatre will invite the Japanese theatre troupe Showgeki to Taiwan for a performance, further deepening the “cycle of good” in cultural exchange between the two countries.
"The Sound of Itako" drew inspiration from the Itako shaman culture of Osorezan in Aomori, Japan. Chung Po-yuan developed a unique performance form that merges Taiwanese and Japanese cultural elements. The work explores contemporary Taiwanese issues such as same-sex marriage, surrogacy, and end-of-life care for pets, portraying complex human emotions through a distinctive narrative style. The powerful storytelling allows audiences to experience the depth and breadth of Taiwan's free and democratic culture.
This performance not only showcased the unique charm of Taiwanese theatre but also offered Japanese audiences an opportunity to delve into the diverse aspects of Taiwanese society and cultural richness, injecting new vitality into future cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Hsiang Theatre "The Sound of Itako" Performance Schedule
11/29 (Fri) 19:30
11/30 (Sat) 14:30, 19:30
12/1 (Sun) 14:30
