Taiwan-France co-production to begin Taiwan run in August

Paris, June 14 (CNA) A Peking opera co-produced by Taiwanese and French troupes is set to show in Taiwan in August, the producers announced at a press event in Paris on Tuesday.

"The Princess and Her Magic Fan," a contemporary Peking opera co-produced by Taiwan's GuoGuang Opera Company and France's Théâtre Nouvelle Génération and Théâtre Silvia Monfort, draws inspiration from the Chinese classic "Journey to the West" (西遊記), re-imagining the story from the perspective of Princess Iron Fan, originally a villain in the tale.

The story follows an encounter between the powerful princess and a anxiety-ridden French girl seeking escape in the world of literature. Together, they form an unlikely alliance and fight for a shared goal.

Théâtre Nouvelle Génération Director Joris Mathieu said that the girl symbolizes overcoming troubles and ending crises.

Having visited Taiwan five times for field research, he found that while Taiwan is known for its technological development, it still regards traditional artistry very highly.

"We feel that Taiwan is a country filled with a sense of freedom and strong desire for democracy," Mathieu said.

GuoGuang Opera Company CEO Chang Yu-hua (張育華) told CNA that the story not only focuses on a female perspective, the "magic fan" held by Princess Iron Fan is a metaphor for technology, as it can not only extinguish fire but also destroy the world in hate.

The production blends traditional Chinese opera artistry with the visual aesthetics of holographic theater, featuring music rooted in Chinese opera while incorporating elements of Western musical styles, according to the show's introduction.

The opera is set for six performances at Taipei's Taiwan Traditional Theatre Center from Aug. 1-3.

After the run in Taiwan, four shows are scheduled at the Théâtre Nouvelle Génération in Lyon, followed by three more at the Théâtre Silvia Monfort in Paris, in October.