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Taiwanese Artists To Shine on Global Stage at Major European Arts Festivals
Eight Taiwanese performing arts troupes are set to take center stage at two of Europe’s most prestigious cultural events this summer: the Avignon Festival in France and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland. Their participation underscores Taiwan’s growing presence in global performing arts and its commitment to showcasing the country’s cultural diversity on an international scale.
The groups will present a range of performances including puppetry, dance and magic, with themes touching on emotional connection, self-identity and cultural memory.
“The two major arts festivals are not just important stages and prestigious venues in the world of international performing arts, but key stages for artists around the world to showcase their works and engage in exchanges,” said press conference emcee Yuan Chang-chieh in Taipei.
Among the featured performers is Chun Dance, which will bring its piece “Trace of Belief” to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The work draws inspiration from Taiwan’s religious traditions and temple rituals, offering a contemporary interpretation rooted in cultural heritage.
“What we want to express is that Taiwan itself is a fusion of diverse cultures,” said Hsieh Yi-chun of Chun Dance. “To this day, we still preserve many traditions such as Taoism, Buddhism and traditional temple rituals, all of which are still practiced in society.”
Chun Dance blends these practices into modern dance to highlight the connections between the ancient and the contemporary. “When we incorporated these practices into our contemporary performances and dances, we found a fascinating interplay and integration between them and discovered a new form of expression,” Hsieh added.
The group hopes their performance will resonate deeply with audiences, sparking both reflection and empowerment.
“Belief exists in the heart of each person,” Hsieh said. “We hope [our performance] can bring more strength to all and feel the belief and faith shining within themselves, creating a trajectory and path that supports [people] to live and survive.”
Taiwan has maintained a steady presence at both the Avignon and Edinburgh festivals for over a decade, using the global platform to promote its vibrant cultural identity and artistic innovation.
“To our dearest Taiwanese artists, you are Taiwan’s cultural ambassadors,” said Culture Minister Li Yuan. “You not only represent Taiwan’s creativity but also our values and cultural confidence. The Ministry of Culture will continue to be your strongest support to help elevate Taiwan’s culture to greater stages.”
With the Avignon Festival kicking off in July and the Edinburgh Fringe following in August, the countdown is on. These artists are poised to captivate international audiences and highlight Taiwan’s dynamic cultural landscape through movement, storytelling and tradition.
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