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Weiwuying Anniversary 2.0 Upgraded Charm with No Boundary, Celebrating the 2nd Anniversary of Weiwuying
In celebration of the 2nd anniversary of National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying) in October, fabulous programs and events are planned in the four venues, Outdoor Theater, Banyan Plaza, and Crown Hall of Weiwuying, wishing to share the joy of “Weiwuying Anniversary 2.0”. The much-loved Sunset Market Strip will kick off the series of celebrations on October 2 (Friday) evening, adding to the fun of Mid-Autumn Festival.
“Weiwuying has kept creating the power of ‘connection’, connecting the local community, connecting Taiwan and even the whole world. During the pandemic, we’ve persisted in connecting with the world for arts presentation and appreciation through online curatorial efforts. Also, we’ve kept our venues open to the public while still holding exhibitions and performances provided that safety is upheld. Even with our masks on, we can enjoy arts and engage in arts. The opera Turandot was put on show as scheduled in late August, and the premiere was also livestreamed to audiences worldwide via the Internet. It testifies Taiwan’s capability in keep pursuing arts even in the midst of pandemic prevention,” said National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying) Executive and Artistic Director CHIEN Wen-pin.
Weiwuying Anniversary 2.0 includes 6 auditorium performances. Three unprecedented pipe organ concerts are planned for the Concert Hall and pipe organ lovers: CHIEN Wen-pin × Eugenio Maria FAGIANI × Kaohsiung Symphony Orchestra on October 9 (Friday), featuring a blend of Oriental and Western, traditional and modern pipe organ music; Italian Organist FAGIANI’s Recital – The Wizard of Improvisation on October 11 (Sunday), showcasing the improvisational talent of the top-rate musician; Rhapsody of Free Reed - CHIEN Wen-Pin & Kaohsiung Chinese Orchestra on October 18 (Sunday), featuring the joint performance of Western pipe organ and Oriental reed pipe (sheng). Such diversified multi-organ performances open up the audience’s eyes to the fun of pipe organ!
Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company: Questioning Heaven will be staged in the Playhouse on October 9 and 11, which is a Shakespeare’s famous title presented in traditional oriental bangzi opera style. This will also be the last show of the bangzi opera queen WANG Hai-ling playing the role of Bin Hela before her retirement. LIN Chia-wei who have won numerous international guitar honors will be delivering LIN Chia-wei Classical Guitar Concert in the Recital Hall on October 17. Cloud Gate has been performing on every anniversary since Weiwuying’s opening in 2018. On October 17 and 18 this year, they will be performing their new production for 2020 – Cloud Gate Sounding Light by CHENG Tsung-lung an unconventional dance performance. Apart from dancing along the music made by the composer LIM Giong in a natural ambience, dancers even sing their respective parts custom-made for each of them by the music arranger CHANG Shiuan corresponding to the scenarios.
The Open House day on October 10 (Saturday) is an annual opportunity for opening up the venues to the public to enjoy the shows. The Playhouse will be showing Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company: ZHONG Kui Arranges a Wedding for His Sister; Italian organist Eugenio Maria FAGIANI is invited to stage Italian Organist FAGIANI's Recital — Special Event in the Concert Hall; Let's Opera! of the Kaohsiung Local Hi series will be showcased in the Recital Hall to reveal amateur singers’ way to opera stars. All performances in the three venues are available in two sessions each, and free tickets can be requested for admission. In addition, the special anniversary project One Way Two Gather planned for the Opera House will be carried out on October 10~11; totally six sessions will be available, three each day. Applications are accepted for joining the theater crew. Together let’s uncover the secret of the theater and experience the daily routines of the theater technicians.
During the anniversary celebrations, events for free participation by the public will be planned in the open area of Weiwuying. The long-awaited annual outdoor concert Swing Party will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on October 10, casting Golden Melody Award winners like ABAO, Matzka, and the Taiwan rapper Dwagie. Later that evening at 8:30 p.m., Memes Homework Party will be held in Banyan Plaza, where DJ QuestionMark × Mr. Skin × Light Installation artist Asking Gee (Chi-Yun CHENG) will be giving an infinity sound-and-light party that pushes the event to the apex. Besides, other events to be held in Banyan Plaza include Army of Clowns’ performance, Headphone Cinema, and Weiwuying Family Day. In the Crown Hall, there will be flash-mob show by the ShiuKim Taiwanese Opera Troupe x Our Theatre. Book lovers are also invited to have a walk around the Weiwuying Reading Corner where the Open Bookstore mini-book fair will be held.
Ticket request for the October 10 Open House events can be made either online or on the spot, ensuring easy access by the public. E-tickets will be open for registration under the “Packages” section on the ArtsTicket system from September 28 (Monday) 12:00 noon to October 5 (Monday) 12:00 noon. Printed tickets will be open for request at the box offices for Concert Hall, Playhouse, and Recital Hall starting October 10, 11:30 a.m. Applications for enrollment in the One Way Two Gather event in the Opera House will be accepted starting from September 25 (Friday). Details on requesting tickets for the Anniversary 2.0 programs and events are available at Weieuying Anniversary 2.0
Before all performances, Weiwuying has conducted risk assessments and drawn up contingency plans in accordance with CECC's six guidelines for mass gathering events. Audience members will have their temperatures taken at the entrance, wear surgical masks at all times, and register personal contact information. The venue will be disinfected and sanitized hourly. Staff members will have their temperatures taken before going on duty and wear masks while on duty. All adjustments to COVID-19 preventive measures shall follow CECC's instructions. In the meantime, we urge citizens to wash their hands frequently. Please consult a medical professional, should symptoms of fever or acute respiratory infections appear.