On April 13 at 2 p.m., the World Journal Southern Branch held a press conference for the 2024 Taiwan Traditional Week Cultural Tour “FOCA Fulong Theatre” May performance at Room 203 of the Overseas Chinese Education Center. Attendees included the director of the Overseas Chinese Education Center, Wang Yingrong; deputy director Huang Yili; Overseas Chinese Affairs Commissioner Liu Xiumei; Southern Branch President Zhang Jingwen; the board of directors, representatives from overseas Chinese community organizations, and media reporters.
Zhang Jingwen mentioned in his speech that last year, the Southern Branch successfully hosted the “Taiwan Traditional Week, Cultural Festival,” receiving high praise from the overseas Chinese community. This year, with the invitation of the Overseas Chinese Commission and the strong support of honorary president Li Shuying, they took on the responsibility without hesitation. With less than a month before the May 5 performance, he expressed gratitude to the team for their dedicated planning and execution. Vice President Pei Junli has completed the promotion posters and tickets. All ticket sales proceeds will be used to sponsor activities, with hopes for enthusiastic support from various community organizations.
Wang Yingrong thanked all the community representatives and the Southern Branch team in attendance. Having seen FOCA perform in New York, she was amazed by their outstanding performance and innovative elements. After careful selection by the Overseas Chinese Commission, FOCA was sent to present the beauty of Taiwan’s diverse culture to overseas Chinese and mainstream society in the Southern region. With the auditorium seating about five hundred people, they hope for active ticket purchases and seat reservations from community organizations.
Liu Xiumei pointed out that contemporary circus groups combine Taiwan’s golden songs from different eras, fully showcasing the exchange of artistic education and culture. The Overseas Chinese Commission is dedicated to showcasing Taiwan to the world.
The community representatives who attended the press conference that day included: Rongguang Association President Zuo Dawei, Tai Lian Association President Luo Xiujuan, former Hotel Association President He Yizhong, TTAA Taiwanese Teachers’ Association representative, Chinese Business and Trade Association President Liu Zhizhong, Association of College and University Students First Vice President Gu Qianci, Taiwan Business Association Vice President Zhang Shuren, Taiwan Fellow Association President Wang Qinglong, and former Love Organization President Hong Liangbing.
In response to questions at the event, Pei Junli stated that based on years of experience in arranging visits and performances by performing groups, FOCA has high standards for stage equipment and safety, including their own professional teams for lighting, sound effects, smoke, and more. It is worth promoting for more people to enjoy.
The 2024 Taiwan Traditional Week “Song of The Land” FOCA Circus
Date: Sunday, May 5 (16:00-17:30)
Location: Overseas Chinese Education Center Grand Hall
Established in 2011, FOCA Circus was named after the beautiful island of Taiwan, combining traditional culture, street culture, and theatrical arts to create a contemporary circus art unique to Taiwan. The group aims to match various types of performance styles and develop a distinctive physical vocabulary.
Members come from various performance fields, including acrobatics, juggling, street dance, contemporary dance, martial arts, and theater. To date, they have performed in over 1,200 shows in 23 countries and 77 cities. FOCA has graced international stages such as the famous Avignon Arts Festival in France, Edinburgh Fringe Festival in the UK, Setouchi Creative Circus Festival in Japan, Macau International Arts Festival, Semper Opernball in Dresden, Germany, and performances at the Miller Outdoor Theatre in Houston, USA.
Responsible editor: Wang Zi