In a remarkable turn of events for the year 2024, the theater group “Selfish Giant” completed its nationwide tour in the United States. Following successful shows in Seattle and Atlanta, the group held two performances on June 1st and 2nd at the Texas Asia Society Center in Houston. The first performance took place on Saturday evening at 7 pm. The event was attended by key figures such as Zhang Jiahua, head of the Cultural Affairs Department; Yang Shuya, head of the Education Department; Chen Yuru, Deputy Director of the Cultural Academy; secretary Qiu Xuling; Chen Shihui, Director of the Composition Department at Rice University’s Music School; and Amy Coburn, president of the Houston Taiwan Sister Association. The performance drew a diverse audience of families from various ethnic backgrounds.
The Director of Performing Arts and Culture at the Asia Society, Michael Buening, expressed gratitude towards the Taiwan Studies Academy and the Ministry of Culture for bringing this production to Houston. He mentioned that a reception was arranged after the performance where attendees could engage with the performers. Zhang Jiahua, representing the Cultural Affairs Department, delivered a speech introducing the theater group “Selfish Giant,” which was established in 1999 with a focus on creative and innovative public art that touches the hearts of the audience. The company’s principle is that everything can be a puppet; the performance that day was an adaptation of the famous fairy tale “The Selfish Giant” by British writer Oscar Wilde. The production incorporated unique Taiwanese elements to share the beauty of humanity, positive energy, and hope with the audience.
Accompanied by music, the warm and poetic narration in English showcased the story of a giant in need of a child’s pure love to thaw the eternal frost in the yard. The performance was captivating and heartwarming, leaving the audience deeply moved. Through the concept of a multi-cube design, each magical theater box opened a new perspective, inviting limitless imagination. The unique blend of human and puppet storytelling injected emotions and souls into the puppets on stage, ranging from mini puppets to glove puppets, string puppets, rod puppets, head puppets, and large puppets, all enhanced by light and shadow. The contrast between the delicate children and flowers and the powerful giant, along with the harmonious interactions between humans and puppets, immersed the audience in a series of captivating storylines.
As the performance concluded, the entire audience rose to their feet in applause. Many viewers expressed their astonishment and how the show had touched their hearts. Audience member Ella Ferguson told reporters that the disparity in size between the puppets and the giant sparked vivid imaginations, awakening many childhood memories of innocence and wonder.