July 11, 2017
Background Information No. 035
The Da-Guan Dance Theater of the National Taiwan University of Arts – at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – will perform in India, Indonesia, and Malaysia from July 22 to August 5, thereby advancing bilateral relations and cultural exchanges between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and these countries, each a key partner in Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy. The troupe’s cultural mission will also serve to promote the diversity and sophistication of Taiwan’s performing arts, as well as Taiwan’s soft power.
On July 11, MOFA held a special press conference to announce the troupe’s trip and wish it success. Paul Kuoboug Chang, Director-General of the Department of International Information Services, presented a national flag for the trip to NTUA President Chen Chih-cheng, and stated that Taiwan boasts tremendous soft power that is based on a rich, diverse, and innovative heritage steeped in traditional Chinese culture. Such soft power allows Taiwan to present its unique qualities to the world.
Director-General Chang added that Taiwan is actively promoting its New Southbound Policy, for which 2017 is a key year of action. This people-centered policy aims to boost bilateral exchanges with countries in South and Southeast Asia as well as Australia and New Zealand, and encourages the use of art and cultural exchanges to let overseas audiences witness Taiwan’s cultural diversity. Chang also pointed out that all three countries the troupe will visit on this tour possess extraordinarily diverse cultures, and expressed his hope that the tour will boost mutual understanding and deepen friendships.
Performances by the Da-Guan Dance Theater, which was established in 2005 by the NTUA and consists of highly talented dancers, integrate elements of East and West, as well as multimedia applications, drama, music, and fine arts. The troupe has performed all over the world, earning praise in each country it has visited and gaining widespread international recognition.
In arranging the troupe’s performances for this tour, MOFA and its offices in New Delhi, Chennai, Jakarta, and Kuala Lumpur have worked closely together and invited important local political leaders and other prominent figures from various sectors of society. For this tour, the troupe has created special performances that combine Taiwanese elements with aspects of the traditions of India, Indonesia, and Malaysia, so as to advance bilateral exchanges with these New Southbound Policy target nations through cultural exchanges. (E)
