As of this week, Londoners won’t need to hop on a long-haul flight to experience the cultural delights of Taiwan. A trusty Oyster card and a trip on the Central Line will suffice, as London’s first major celebration of Taiwanese contemporary arts and culture is about to arrive in Notting Hill.
Kicking off at the Coronet Theatre on April 12, ‘Taiwan Festival’ is set to be fifteen days full of spectacular theatrical and artistic offerings. Drawing on Taiwan’s complex cultural identity; the festival programme is set to be jam-packed with over thirty contemporary visual artists, theatre-makers, dancers, and musicians from Taiwan. Most of whom have never before been seen in the UK.
The varied and vibrant programme will explore subject matters including politics, sexuality, the Taiwanese identity, and the colonial history of Taiwan.
Anda Winters, Artistic Director & CEO of The Coronet Theatre, said, ‘Upon visiting Taiwan, I was immediately inspired by the diversity and innovation driving its arts scene. Having fallen in love with the bold creativity of Taiwanese arts, I am thrilled to share this adventurous and varied programme with our audiences.’
For the duration of the festival, esteemed artist, Cheng Tsung Feng will be creating a bamboo installation specifically for the historical façade of the Coronet Theatre. Feng’s large-scale creations reflect the artist’s deep fascination with handmade objects from traditional craftsmen of Taiwan. Feng will be holding fish trap-making workshops throughout the festival and an exhibition of his work will also be on show.
Other highlights of Taiwan Festival include the world premiere of award-winning Riverbed Theatre’s VR experience, ‘All That Remains‘, and the London premiere of Chou Kuan-Jou’s 2022 Edinburgh Fringe Sensation, ‘TOMATO‘ – a playful and provocative exploration of lust and desire.
Taiwan’s rich tradition of contemporary dance will be represented in various live performances and widely-acclaimed singer-songwriter, Yujun Wang, will be launching her new album in two intimate concerts during the Taiwan Festival.
Taiwan Festival follows the Coronet’s Japanese Festival: Electric Japan and Korean Festival: Tiger Is Coming. Founded in 2009 by Anda Winters, The Coronet Theatre is London’s international theatre, offering a year-round multi-disciplinary programme of world-class arts in a uniquely intimate 195-seat auditorium and 90-seat studio space. The theatre’s core mission is to engage, educate and empower audiences with the arts and cultures beyond borders.
Taiwan Festival will be taking place from April 12 – April 27. Find the full programme of events and book your tickets here.
📍 The Coronet Theatre, 103 Notting Hill Gate, W8 7TA.