Taiwan's performances at Melbourne Fringe an experience for all ages

Taipei, Oct. 21 (CNA) Taiwan's participation in the Melbourne Fringe this year through the 6th Fringe Focus Taiwan program was an experience for all ages, featuring two performances that involved children under two years old and seniors over 65, the Ministry of Culture said Tuesday.

"Free Steps ─ Swinging Years," created by Taiwanese choreographer Su Wei-chia (蘇威嘉), was a collaboration among 59 Melbourne-based dancers aged 65 and older, the oldest one being 90, the ministry said in a press release on Tuesday.

The piece transforms different experiences into dance and accentuates life's variety through physical movements, the ministry said.

Asked what the hardest part was when creating the piece, Su said it was "believing they can do it," the ministry quoted the choreographer as saying.

"Somehow, they really did it," Su said.

At first, they were self-conscious and not comfortable dancing, but as the rehearsals progressed, they eventually gained confidence and control over their bodies, demonstrating power and grace that radiated wisdom, Su said.

Meanwhile, "We Need A Flower," created by Double and Cross Theater Group, featured babies under 24 months old and the adults taking care of them, according to Melbourne Fringe's website.

"Inspired by an Italian nursery rhyme, this delicate, wordless work explores the cycle of life and the connection between all things. Through improvised dance, tactile costumes, shifting light and sound, and playful interactions, the performers gently mirror babies' physical development, inviting curiosity and imagination," according to the website.

The performance, which lasted 35 minutes, was staged on Oct. 17 and 18.

A third piece, "Free Steps ─ Grand Canyon," featuring interactions between a dancer and a sheet of paper was also choreographed by Su.

Taking the form of a pop-up performance, the dance was performed from Oct. 1-9 during Melbourne Fringe events that took place at the Queen Victoria Market, Fed Square and Melbourne Museum, according to the website.

At the opening ceremony for Fringe Focus Taiwan on Oct. 14, Fringe Melbourne CEO Simon Abrahams thanked the ministry for co-organizing the event and expressed hope that the collaboration will continue, so as to bring Taiwan's cultural and creative performances to audiences in Australia and around the world.

In his remarks, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Melbourne Director-General Ray Lu (呂明澤) said that Taiwan's participation in the Melbourne Fringe allows the nation to engage the world in artistic dialogue, define its identity and connect with the international community through the "universal language" of imagination.