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	<title>國立傳統藝術中心入口網</title>
		<link>
			http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/main/index.aspx
		</link>
		<description>傳藝新聞Rss訂閱</description>
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<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD03MA==</guid>
<title>2009 Taiwanese Opera Outdoor Performance Features 5 Topnotch Troupes!</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD03MA==</link>
<pubDate>2009/11/4</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ -	Preparatory Office of the National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Art News Release  - 
2009 Taiwanese Opera Outdoor Performance Features 5 Topnotch Troupes!
Rediscover True Taiwanese Opera Classics at NCTA
August 2009 marked the end of the application for outdoor Taiwanese opera performance. Every year, the organizer invites experts and academics to select and evaluate the troupes. Only 5 troupes out of the 14 finalists were selected and performed for a DVD production. The audio-video recording and production start from October 25 at NCTA Traditional Theater. The selected 5 troupes included: [Hongsheng Taiwanese Opera Troupe] on October 25, [Xiaojizhi Taiwanese Opera Troupe] on November 8, [Yi-Sin Taiwanese Opera Troupe] on November 15, [Minkuan Taiwanese Opera Troupe] on November 21 and [Formosa-Zephyr Opera Troupe] on November 22. All performances are free and open to the general public. The best classics of all time are back on stage and bringing fans an aura of anticipation and excitement!
The selected troupes for 2009 feature: [Hongsheng Taiwanese Opera Troupe] , especially noted for their unique style of outdoor performance, will be performing the captivating《Transformation of Tianxiong》, which comprises intense drama, a diverse musical score and twists in the plot.  [Xiaojizhi Taiwanese Opera Troupe] of Taichung performs the classic opera《Picking Talents by Appearance》, led by famous Mei-Que Lin for male role, will unveil the troupe’s exceptional singing and creativity. [Yi-Sin Taiwanese Opera Troupe] , that earned the reputation of the finest looking male roles and unrivaled creative team, is presenting the remake of classic《Hewing the Mountain to Rescue Mother》. The troupe’s remarkable skill and professional stage design will certainly put on a compelling theatrical experience for audiences. The generations-old renowned [Minkuan Taiwanese Opera Troupe] of Taipei will feature their award-wining 《Nine-Curved Bridge》starring Chan-Juan Lin, the nightingale of northern Taiwan in the female role. More pleasant surprises are expected from two roles (Li Fei and Kou Chu) she portrays in the play. Nonetheless, it is [Formosa-Zephyr Opera Troupe] that attracts the most limelight. This new generation of classical Taiwanese Opera is demonstrating the remarkable performance of young and refreshing actors and actresses, rich and diversified musical styles in《Eighth Son Visits His Mother》.
The recording and production of the Best of “2009 Taiwanese Opera Outdoor Performance” is open to the general public. All shows are free admission. Limited seats are available for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Fans of Taiwanese opera need to grab the opportunity and enjoy the performances! For related information on the performances, please contact NCTA: (03)9507711 and contact (03)9705815 ext. 1347 for free admission, or visit NCTA website: www.ncfta.gov.tw for information. 
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/4800317153425_A.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="洪瓊華「後台」局部：作品細膩、逼真，並巧妙揉合檀香於紙黏土中，作品中旦角手持鏡後為李麗華畫像（陳衍吟攝）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/7528317153425_B.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="洪瓊華與作品（陳衍吟攝）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/7027317153425_C.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="秋思（局部，陳衍吟攝）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/7308317154018_D.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="琦琦的日記（局部，陳衍吟攝）">]]></description>
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<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD02Nw==</guid>
<title>－Press Conference New Release from the Preparatory Office for the National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Arts－</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD02Nw==</link>
<pubDate>2009/10/2</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ 2009 Asia-Pacific Traditional Arts Festival- Legend of Mekong River

	The 2009 Asia-Pacific Traditional Arts Festival organized by the Preparatory Office for the National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Arts will be held from October 3rd to 11th. Nearly 100 performing teams and artisans from five nations of the Indochina Peninsula will bring a feast of cultures and arts to the audiences in Taiwan. The nine-day event will be filled by a lineup of foreign performing groups and exhibitions in two stages. The first stage will feature brilliant performances brought by the Tre Viet Band, Samarm and His Folk Art Ensemble of Laos, and the traditional music and dance group from Srinakharinwirot University.

The Tre Viet Band is formed by the multi-talented master performer, Dinh Ha Linh and four other musicians. This time, they will bring their secret weapon- the Dan Da. This is the début performance of this 12-scale stone-slab instrument in Taiwan. This instrument was invented 10 thousand years ago. It was discovered during the French Colonial Period. Though it weights 50kg, it makes a clean and pleasing sound. Performance of K&amp;apos;longput will also be featured in this year’s event. K&amp;apos;longput is a bamboo tube instrument played by clapping of the player’s hands. The player of K&amp;apos;longput uses his palms to form a bowl and clap air into the tube. From the beginning to the end, the player’s hands do not come into direct contact with the instrument, but interesting pitches are created by controlling the instrument over the air. It has been said that players of K&amp;apos;longput often prepare a bucket of cool water to relieve their swollen hands after practice. The highly representative single-string instrument, Dan Bau, and tenor bamboo xylophone, T’rung, in a triangular shape looking like a sail, will also be presented in the event. So, don’t miss the interesting shows.

Due to complex international factors, the Asia-Pacific Traditional Arts Festival has never been successful in inviting performing groups from Laos. This year, we are honored to present the Samarm and His Folk Art Ensemble of Laos. Laos National Treasure singing and chanting poet (Mor Lam), Samarm will present the traditional folk music of Laos called Lam. Lam is performed through interesting dialogues or interplay of witty questions and answers with accompaniment of the Lao style reed pipe instrument. The humorous and witty dialogues presented in Lam are mostly stories of unwavering love, Buddhism teachings, or social reflections. The social status of Mor Lam may not be high, but they are honored for a special status in the society. The accompanying artists from Laos will also perform the special dances of the minority ethnics.

The traditional dance group from Srinakharinwirot University will bring the traditional Thai Palace Mask Dance “Kong”. Kong is a performance requiring tightly knitted synchronization among the dancers, musicians, and narrator. It is an art integrated with dance, music, poetry, and martial arts. And a large lineup of costumes, masks, and hair pieces are required to complete a performance. Therefore, it is considered as the most refined performing art of Thailand. The stories told in the dances are mostly themed upon the topics of fights against evil and the backdrop is often based upon the epic poem of the Ramayana. The actors use hand gestures and 68 different body movements to express the behaviors and emotions of the characters of the stories. Each dance step and gesture in the dance represents specific meanings. This group of teachers and students from the highest art institution of Thailand will also perform the representative Thai classic music, Pi Phat, Klung-sai, and Mahori, as well as the music of the ethnic minorities of Northern Thailand.

Other than the series of featured shows, the organizer has especially planned a series of peripheral events, including the pre-festival seminars, craft demonstrations, workshops, and in-depth knowledge forums. Worth mentioning is that to deepen the experience of the viewers to the cultures of the Mekong River, the organizers have especially planned the Golden Music and Dance-Legend of Mekong River Exploration Map activity. All participants are eligible to request an exploration map at the service counter, and anyone who successfully collects four stamps will be qualified to enter the luck draw. Prizes include travel packages with air tickets to Vietnam, vouchers to the Futai Dongshan Mansion Craft Tour, and more. For information regarding the exhibitions and shows, please call the National Center for Traditional Arts at (03) 950-7711 or visit the Web site http://www.ncfta.gov.tw.

………………………………………………………………………………………......
◎	Event Contact: 	The Preparatory Office for the National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Arts; 
Xu Tian-Xia (許天俠) at (03) 970-5815 ext. 1368 or 0934293634
◎	News Contact:	The Preparatory Office for the National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Arts; 
Lian Jia-Ying (連家瑩) at (03) 970-5815 ext. 2067 or 0939794713
The Preparatory Office for the National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Arts; 
Chen Yi-Ling (陳羿伶); (03) 970-5815 ext. 2066 or 0953096650
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/8955312153738_A.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="民眾圍觀謝文麒示範讚不絕口，後方觀眾正細心看著謝文麒展出作品（陳衍吟攝）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/7592312153630_B.jpg" border="0" width="160" height="240" alt="謝文麒剪摺作品細膩優雅（陳衍吟攝）1">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/5335312153631_C.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="謝文麒應觀眾要求當場剪了一個手牽手心連心的雙喜字（陳衍吟攝）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/4834312153631_D.jpg" border="0" width="240" height="159" alt="小朋友圍觀謝文麒剪摺紙（陳衍吟攝）">]]></description>
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<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD02OA==</guid>
<title>－Press Conference News Release from the Preparatory Office for the National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Arts－</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD02OA==</link>
<pubDate>2009/10/2</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ 2009 Asia-Pacific Traditional Arts Festival- 
Legend of Mekong River
Featured Performances from Cambodia and Burma

The 2009 Asia-Pacific Traditional Arts Festival, organized by the Preparatory Office for the National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Arts, has been launched with much fanfare on October 3rd. Performing groups from Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam celebrated a beautiful Mid-Autumn Festival with their adoring Taiwan audience. From October 8th, the Festival will be entering its climax and the Sovanna Phum Art Association from Cambodia and Mandalay Marionettes Theater from Burma will bring this year’s featured shows.

The traditional culture of Cambodia was once facing extinction by the Khmer Rouge Communist movement led by Pol Pot. The surviving artists have lived through years of starvation, devastation of illnesses, and the sorrows of lost families. The Nation was not rebuilt until the 1980’s. After years of hard work, the Cambodian Palace Dance and Shadow Puppet Show was listed by UNESCO as part of the Oral and Intangible Heritage in 2003 and 2005 respectively, and this recognition marked a great milestone in the revival of Cambodian traditional arts. The Sovanna Phum Art Association invited to perform in Taiwan this year will present the treasures of Cambodia.

The Cambodian shadow puppets are made from ox skins. They are large puppets; each stands as tall as half of an adult. The wide canvas of ox skins is carved with intriguing craftsmanship, the common characters include the prince and princess, demons, nature spirits, the monkey god, the peasants and ascetic monks, and the stories are most based on the epic poems of Ramayana. The tall shadow puppets dance and fight with one another behind the scenes as manipulated by the puppeteers and the puppeteers sometimes turn into the characters of the stories to continue the fights before the scenes. It is quite a bravo performance. The classical Cambodian Palace Dancers are called the Apsara, meaning dancers of the heaven in Sanskrit. Apsara dancers represent the messengers of peace and are seen as the medium between the king and the heaven. It is believed that the king’s prayers are sent to the heaven by the dancers. The classical dances feature slow movements, elegant postures, complex hand gestures, and perfectly formed arches and curves of the waist and back. Sovanna Phum Art Association will definitely dazzle the audiences with its intriguing performances.

The Mandalay Marionettes Theater from Burma has been established since 1986. It is one of the most famous string puppet performing groups in Burma. The puppets are as tall as 50cm with delicate features and movable fingers, mouths, and eyes. Sometimes, both puppets and real persons perform on the same stage as the characters in the story. And the uniquely wild music of Saing Waing and the elegant solo of Konghou are the enchanting charms of this group’s performance.

Do you want to have a special vacation over the National Day holidays? Lucy draws will be held at the 2009 Asia-Pacific Traditional Arts Festival everyday and the prizes will include craft experience tours, tickets to the traditional art events, and more. A mystery prize will be drawn on the closing day. So, don’t miss it. For information regarding the exhibitions and performances, please call the National Center for Traditional Arts at (03) 950-7711 or visit the Web site at http://www.ncfta.gov.tw.
………………………………………………………………………………………......
◎	Event Contact: The Preparatory Office for the National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Arts; 
Xu Tian-Xia (許天俠) at (03) 970-5815 ext. 1368 or 0934293634
◎	News Contact: The Preparatory Office for the National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Arts; 
Lian Jia-Ying (連家瑩) at (03) 970-5815 ext. 2067 or 0939794713
The Preparatory Office for the National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Arts; 
Chen Yi-Ling (陳羿伶); (03) 970-5815 ext. 2066 or 0953096650
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/617631216015_A.jpg" border="0" width="240" height="196" alt="花開富貴_謝淑慧">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/714731216015_B.jpg" border="0" width="196" height="240" alt="財源滾滾_謝淑慧">]]></description>
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<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD02OQ==</guid>
<title>News for the Asia-Pacific Transitional Arts Festival</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD02OQ==</link>
<pubDate>2009/10/2</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ News for the Asia-Pacific Transitional Arts Festival
Preparatory Office for National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Arts

2009 Asia Pacific Traditional Arts Festival Special Exhibition
Going with the Flow- Life and Beliefs in the Mekong Basin

The 2009 Asia-Pacific Traditional Arts Festival, organized by the Preparatory Office for National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Arts, is going to be held from October 3 to 11. Performance groups and crafters from five Southeast Asian countries will bring a feast of arts and culture to the Center for Traditional Arts. The festival will be opened by the special Asia-Pacific Exhibition, Going with the Flow-Life and Beliefs in the Mekong Basin, which will be launched on September 1. Public participation is welcome.

This year’s event will be focused on the civilizations along the Mekong River of the Indochina Peninsula. The River of Mekong is seen as the mother of the Indochina Peninsula, nurturing the rich, profound, and original cultures of Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The festival will be launched through the Special Exhibition of Going with the Flow- Life and Beliefs in the Mekong Basin on September 1. This exhibition features religions and beliefs developed along the Mekong River, offering a sneak preview of the lifestyles, customs, arts, and cultures of the five nations in the Indochina Peninsula. Viewers will be taken on a journey through the running river of Mekong to explore how religions interweave the meaning of life for people living in the Indochina Peninsula. It will be very interesting exhibition, offering a close-up look of ethnic groups by the Mekong River.

The main events of the 2009 Asia-Pacific Traditional Arts Festival will take place from October 3 to 11. In the events, an estimated near 100 artists in different art categories from the Indochina Peninsula will take turns showcasing their arts in the Center for Traditional Arts. Especially worth mentioning is that teams from Laos and Cambodia will also be performing in the festival for the first time in seven years. Palace dances and shadow puppet shows from Cambodia will be the focus of the event as they have been listed by UNESCO as Masterpieces of the Oral and an Intangible Heritage of Humanity. So don’t miss the shows. For details regarding exhibitions and performances, please call the National Center for Traditional Arts at (03) 950-711 or enquire through the website at http://www.ncfta.gov.tw
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/7000313152058_A.jpg" border="0" width="195" height="240" alt="卑南族音樂家陸森寶">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/5700313153424_B.jpg" border="0" width="240" height="182" alt="音樂教室裡的陸森寶">]]></description>
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<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD02MA==</guid>
<title>Starting from today (8/17), NCTA will donate NT$10 from every general admission ticket sold to typhoon victims</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD02MA==</link>
<pubDate>2009/8/17</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Celebrating art and raising charity fund for disaster relief 

Starting from today (8/17), NCTA will donate NT$10 from every general admission ticket sold to typhoon victims 


People from government and private sectors are dedicated to taking part in the disaster relief effort, in terms of making donations to purchase supplies, or volunteering for rescue operations in the disaster area. Everyone continues to express the love and support toward the relief effort of the “88 Flood Disaster”.
    
Ilan, where NCTA is located, was on the path to be one of the worst-hit regions, but was fortunate enough to safely escape the disaster. In contrast, people of southern Taiwan suffered the worst flooding in history. NCTA will donate its employee’s one day salary, while inviting visitors to purchase general admission tickets and participate in the disaster relief effort. From today through the end of August, for every ticket purchased by visitors, NT10$ will be donated to “Taiwan World Vision” Morakot Typhoon Disaster Special Relief Fund to help victims rebuild their home. 
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/560830716592_A.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="土地公分送金元寶（陳衍吟攝）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/256630716592_B.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="大神尪綵街（陳衍吟攝）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/206530716592_C.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="文昌祠前大神尪演出（陳衍吟攝）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/319430716593_D.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="大家喜愛的中壇元帥三太子文昌祠前快速舞動（陳衍吟攝）">]]></description>
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<title>Alliance between Art and Enterprise: Golden Anchor the Open Kid Invites Everyone to Join the Hand Puppet Show Galore!</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD02Ng==</link>
<pubDate>2009/8/11</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Alliance between Art and Enterprise: Golden Anchor the Open Kid Invites Everyone to Join the Hand Puppet Show Galore!

18 Youths from Around Taiwan Compete for the Skill, Creativity and Top Awards

The 2009 7-Eleven Cup Youth Hand Puppet Competition is supervised by the Council for Cultural Affairs and Preparatory Office of the National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Arts, and organized by 7-Eleven. After 2 months of entry and judging by experts and scholars, 18 top young hand puppet performers (under the age of 40) were selected for the preliminary round of the competition. The chosen contestants will participate in the 6-day competition held between August 15 and 20 at the National Center for Traditional Arts (NCFTA), for prizes totaling NT$450,000 and the opportunity to participate in performances organized by NCFTA or Uni-President within the next year.

The 18 selected participants are between 25 and 40 years old. Most of them learned hand puppetry during their childhood while studying at school. Given that they have been performing since they were little, they have all garnered abundant performing experience. The youngest performer is 25-year-old Hsiao Weu-jen, who comes from the Hsiao Weu-jen Hand Puppet Troupe in Hsiushui Town, Changhua County. Due to his passion and enthusiasm for onstage performance, he was determined to join the hand puppet performance industry after graduation from high school. Hsiao Weu-jen has capitalized on the creativity of being a “1980s-born” youngster. In addition to enhancing his performance skills, he is also actively engaged in developing more innovative hand puppet stunts and different approaches to performing, hoping to attract more audiences to the hand puppet show business,
                  
The organizers extend their warmest welcome to everyone in Taiwan to witness the fierce hand puppet competition, which will be held between August 15 and 20 at the National Center for Traditional Arts. For more detailed information, please contact the NCFTA visitor hotline at 03-9507711 ext. 228, or please log on to the NCFTA website: www.ncfta.gov.tw
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/956431215217_A.jpg" border="0" width="240" height="179" alt="場地說明-文昌祠廣場">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/746431215218_B.jpg" border="0" width="240" height="179" alt="場地說明-文昌祠戲台">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/617831215218_C.jpg" border="0" width="240" height="179" alt="場地說明-雨天表演場">]]></description>
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<title>The Largest Taiwanese Opera Festival will Open at Taipei City’s Yongle Plaza on August 7th </title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD02MQ==</link>
<pubDate>2009/7/27</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ 2009 Outdoor Taiwanese Opera Theater Festival
Organized by the Preparatory Office for the National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Arts
The Largest Taiwanese Opera Festival will Open at Taipei City’s Yongle Plaza on August 7th 

The 2009 Outdoor Taiwanese Opera Theater Festival series events, organized by the Preparatory Office for the National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Arts, Taipei County Government, and the Taipei City Bureau of Cultural Affairs, will be launched at Taipei City’s Yongle Plaza and Sanchong City Sports Park. Sixteen shows are scheduled from August 7th (Fri.) to August 22nd (Sat.) and will be performed nightly at 7:30pm. Renowned master performers from all over Taiwan, including Chen Mei-Yun (陳美雲), Chun-Mei (春美), and Xiu-Qin (秀琴), will be performing their best numbers for Taiwanese opera fans. Don&amp;apos;t miss the largest opera festival of the year.
Since 1999, the Preparatory Office for the National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Arts has been organizing the Outdoor Taiwanese Opera Festival, and this event is now in its sixth year. To bring back the charm of outdoor Taiwanese opera theaters and bring the public closer to this folk culture, as well as provide an opportunity for experience-sharing between the performers, this event has been held in different regions of Taiwan, and every year we received a tremendous response. In this expanded cultural exchange event, this year the organizer consolidated the resources of Taipei City and County, which jointly hosted this year’s 2009 Outdoor Taiwanese Opera Theater Festival. The best theater companies are invited to perform in Taipei City and County and, as special guests, folk opera theater companies from Xiamen China are also invited to participate in this year’s festival.
In an effort to encourage the development of Taiwanese opera and advocate preservation of traditional dramas, the Preparatory Office for the National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Arts will invite expert teams to conduct surveys and evaluate performances. Five outstanding performing groups and librettos will be invited to perform at the Center for Traditional Arts in Ilan as a preparatory tour for follow-up publication. The 2009 Outdoor Taiwanese Opera Theater Festival will be from August 7th (Fri.) to August 22nd (Sat.). Don’t miss this series of fantastic performances.
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/6028309182038_A.jpg" border="0" width="240" height="159" alt="捏塑童玩">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/5243309182038_B.jpg" border="0" width="240" height="181" alt="第一階段上課情形">]]></description>
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<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD02Mg==</guid>
<title>National Center for Traditional Arts Lacquer Art Class Painting Colorful Life</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD02Mg==</link>
<pubDate>2009/7/27</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ National Center for Traditional Arts Lacquer Art Class Painting Colorful Life

    To open the doors of traditional arts to the public, the Preparatory Office for the National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Arts launched the 2009 Traditional Lacquer Art Camp-Lacquer Ware Painting Class, which was opened to 20 students. Craft Award winners Master Wang Xian-Min  and Wang Xian Zhi were invited to lecture in the classes on July 27th and August 5th. After 10 days of intensive training, the students hosted their class completion ceremony and exhibition.

    Lacquer is an ancient tradition with over 7000 years of history. The complex techniques involve profound technology and art development. Lacquer, the sap from lacquer trees, was originally used to protect utensils. Because of its high sustainability against oxidization, this natural paint was later adopted for craft production, and a series of techniques, such as line tracing, carving, inlaying, patching, varnishing, polishing, and layering, were developed over time.

   This year&amp;apos;s lacquer art camp opened two classes. The beginner class focused on 2-D lacquer painting (maki-e) and the advanced class featured the grinding technique (togidashi maki-e). Both lecturers of this class are winners of the highest honor of crafters in the nation, the National Craft Achievement Award, in 2007. Sons of renowned lacquer master, Wang Qing-Shuang, the two Master Wangs grew up around the art of lacquer painting and devoted their lives to learning and developing lacquer art techniques. They are frequent winners of national craft awards, and their long-term devotion to education and promotion of lacquer art spawned numerous talents. Under their dedication and contribution, the traditional art of lacquer painting continues to flourish. Under the generous instruction of the two masters, students of this year&amp;apos;s classes learned a tremendous amount of knowledge and were highly enthusiastic in creative activities. Within 10 days, every student handed out over five pieces of amazing creations. The achievement was amazingly fruitful.
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/417031016318_A.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="洪新富隨意用裁剩的紙邊折疊小動物，小朋友看得樂開懷（陳衍吟攝）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/288431016318_B.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="洪新富作品全然以紙材本身卡楯接合，不靠膠著（陳衍吟攝）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/385631016318_C.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="洪新富示範摺紙，前方為其作品（陳衍吟攝）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/335531016318_D.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="洪新富與他的作品「櫻花鉤吻鮭」，他笑稱直立的魚身看來就像台灣（陳衍吟攝）">]]></description>
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<title>Creative Children’s Puppet Show “Mr. Dong Guo, the Hunter, and the Wolf” Coming to the National Center for Traditional Art- Funny Puppeteers Bring Laughter</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD02NQ==</link>
<pubDate>2009/7/27</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Creative Children’s Puppet Show “Mr. Dong Guo, the Hunter, and the Wolf” Coming to the National Center for Traditional Art- Funny Puppeteers Bring Laughter
   This summer, the National Center for Traditional Arts brings audiences the Traditional Art Theater Series. Shadow puppet shows and traditional puppet shows take turns to bring back fun memories for older generations. And for children, the Center invited two children’s theater companies to tell fun stories. In addition, several western puppet theater companies have also been invited to share their fun with children in Taiwan.
    Hall Four at the Traditional Art Learning Center tailor-made a European style theater for the children and invited the Song Song Song Children Theater Company to perform the adaptation from the traditional legend “Mr. Dong Guo, the Hunter, and the Wolf”. Puppeteers Happy (陳詠翰, Chen Yong-Han) and Sunny (林伯衡, Lin Bo-Heng) uses over ten glove puppets and their own exaggerated facial expressions to express the characters along the story, and with astonishing special sound effects. Their comical performing style grabs the full attention of the children and adults alike, and tickles all into nonstop laughter. 
   In the story of “Mr. Dong Guo, the Hunter, and the Wolf”, Mr. Dong Guo saves a wolf from the hands of the hunter, but the wolf does not thank Dong Guo as expected and instead he takes a bite out of him. To save his own life, Dong Guo seeks help from a wise man. The story expresses human’s destruction of nature through the injured Granny Tree and Grandpa Ox. The story ends with a happy finale, as everyone agrees to send the wolf to the zoo for animal protection.
    This summer, the Traditional Art Theater invites you to the whole new European style theater for the fun drama brought to you by the Song Song Song Children’s Theater Company. The shows will be performed at Hall Four of the National Center for Traditional Arts Learning Center from July 1st to September 20th. The performances are scheduled at 11:30, 14:30, and 16:00 daily. Don’t miss it. For more information, please log on to the event website at http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/events/2009summer/index.html.

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<title>Summer Literature Dream:2009 Government Publications of Liberal Arts Exhibition </title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD02Mw==</link>
<pubDate>2009/7/21</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Summer Literature Dream: 
2009 Government Publications of Liberal Arts Exhibition

To introduce government publications on culture and arts to the public, the Preparatory Office for the National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Arts organized the Summer Literature Dream: 2009 Government Publications of Liberal Arts Exhibition, which was held in the Lobby of the Theater Hall of the National Center for Traditional Art from 9am to 6pm, July 25th to August 16th 2009. Being surrounded by numerous quality literary works, it will certainly be a tour of great knowledge.
    This exhibition is organized by, Wunan Publishing Ltd, distributor of government publications. Nearly 1500 volumes of books on culture and arts published  by the government and independent publishers will be displayed in the following zones: Traditional Arts, Taiwan Memories, Cruising Taiwan, Hakka Amour, Tribal Legends, Museum Tours, Taiwan History, and Publications of the Council for Cultural Affairs and Affiliate Agencies. To requite book lovers, visitors can enjoy a 20% off for purchasing books at the fair and get a lovely gift for free for purchases up to NT$1000. Book lovers should not miss this great opportunity.
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<title>Summer Puppetry Fantasy at the Traditional Art Theater:Featuring Nostalgia Themes with the Open Kid, Cosplay Parade and Puppet Visit</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD02NA==</link>
<pubDate>2009/7/6</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Summer Puppetry Fantasy at the Traditional Art Theater:
Featuring Nostalgia Themes with the Open Kid, Cosplay Parade and Puppet Visit


    In welcoming the happy summer holiday, the National Center for Traditional Arts specially organized the Puppet Summer Fantasy at the Traditional Art Theater event, featuring nostalgia themes that will bring audiences back to the traditional theater of the 30’s and 40’s. 

   This summer, the National Center for Traditional Arts launched the Traditional Art Theater series events, featuring “Forget Me Not” at the Shadow Puppet Theater, “The Secrete of a Cloth” at the Traditional Puppet Theater, “72 Changes of Puppets” at the Creative Puppetry Theatre, and “A Puppet Dream” at the Children’s Story House. This series of events aims to revive the glamour of theaters in the 30’s and 40’s Taiwan. And that is not all; a party will be given at the outdoor theater, featuring the seasonal star company, Wang Ying-Jun Puppet Theater Company from Taichung (台中聲五洲王英峻布袋戲團). A series of shows, including “Puppet Soap Opera”, “Puppet School”, and “Diamond Radio Station”, are expected to bring audiences an entirely new experience. 

    In addition, the Center’s Theater Hall and Music Hall will also launch during August to September the “Chinese Valentine’s Day Series- Love Stories of the Past and Today”, which features a number of love dramas in Kunju, Huangmei Diao, Taiwanese Opera, and Chinese Classical Music. Several creative puppet theater groups, including groups of creative light-and-shadow theater, traditional shadow puppet, Hakka puppet, and Nanguan puppet, are also invited to a festival on the weekends of September; this series of contemporary Vs. traditional puppet festival will take you through a time tunnel. For summer time fanfare, the Center for Traditional Arts is open for extended hours from 9.00 to 19.00 July 1st to August 31st. For details, please log on to http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/events/2009summer/index.html or call (03) 950-7711 ext. 228.

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<title>Glory of martial arts in Taiwan bustles NCFTA during Lantern Festival!</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD01OA==</link>
<pubDate>2009/2/12</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ As the Taiwan Lantern Festival moves to Yilan, the National Center for Tradition Art (NCTFA), the center with the most Chinese New Year flavor has specially arranged performances given by the top martial arts teams from three Taiwanese colleges and universities to present citizens with the most bustling and splendid martial arts arrays on Saturdays and Sundays during February 6 to February 22. Also, after Chinese New Year, the NCFTA has arranged a second event called the Birthday Celebration for God Wenchang and Martial Arts for Lantern Festival with shows including the Set on the School Beginning Light and Martial Art for Lantern Festival, and the ritual Birthday Celebration for God Wenchang to celebrate the Lantern Festival with Taiwanese citizens.

The Martial Arts for Lantern Festival Show presented by top martial arts teams from Taiwanese colleges and universities will be given on Fridays to Sundays for three consecutive weeks since February 6 at the NCFTA. These teams include the Dragon and Lion Martial Arts Team from the National Taiwan Sport University (NTSU), the Martial Art Team from the Taipei Physical Education College (TPEC), and the Sung-Jiang Battle Array from Shihchien University Kaohsiung. As the glory of Taiwanese martial arts circles, many members of these teams which have won numerous awards from home and abroad are members of the national martial art team, and they often give martial arts performances at major festivals and events at home and abroad.

The NTSU Dragon and Lion Martial Arts Team from Taichung will take the lead to give performances such as the battle drum dance, festive lion dance, martial arts, dragon dance, and northern Chinese lion dance during Week 1, February 6-8. The repertoire includes the Both Dragon Playing Pearl presenting the splendor of the leaps and bounces of two dragons in robust physique and swift changes with the percussion music of the Beijing opera and dragon and lion dances.
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/8382305141252_A.jpg" border="0" width="240" height="159" alt="台灣紙藝大展首開傳藝季展覽產官學合作先例（從左至右：永豐餘協理、傳藝中心林德福主任、參展藝術家黃瀅權，陳衍吟攝）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/3583305141252_B.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="台灣紙藝大展首開傳藝季展覽產官學合作先例：產官學三方在紙藝作品上簽名（從左至右：永豐餘協理、傳藝中心林德福主任、參展藝術家黃瀅權，陳衍吟攝）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/3082305141252_C.jpg" border="0" width="240" height="159" alt="簽名作品">]]></description>
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<title>“2008 Taiwan Folk Art Exhibition” Series- Fun Acting Out Traditional Folk Art “Exciting Experience of the Aquatic Parade </title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD01Ng==</link>
<pubDate>2008/11/17</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Taiwanese Folk Art Exhibition of this year of NCTA is presenting the most unique local flavor of the folk parade – the Aquatic Parade (水族陣) series, currently exhibiting at the NCTA Center No.3. During the event, Rong-chuan Lin, a senior local craftsman of Yilan was especially invited to perform and demonstrate at the scene. The students of Dongshan Elementary School have gained an insightful understanding about the forms of performance and cultural significance, as well as experienced the fun of taking part and dressing up as the Aquatic Parade (水族陣), to experience the joy and excitement of the festive atmosphere of the olden days. 

Teacher Jung-chun Lin demonstrated and performed the role “Clam” live. With the repertoire “Siphon Extrude from the Clam”, teacher Jung-chun Lin sat on the floor with legs crossed, while leaning backward with one leg kicked out from the shell. The way he imitated clam extruding its siphon immediately drew the attention of the students. With the repertoire “Clam Sneaks Away”, teacher Jung-chun Lin has his back facing the audience, slowly but surely showed his hip with his arms opened and then closed slightly, followed by the comical motions of moving from left and right, and forward and backward. Not to mention the repertoire “Clam Peeps”, commonly known as “Clam Peeps at People”, which portrays the way a clam sneaks out for some fresh air. In order to perform this repertoire, he is required to crouch as low as possible to first stealthily close the clam’s shell, and sticks gradually sticks his head out from the shell. Together with his facial expression, he has successfully captured the fine details of the quick glance and added more drama to the play. Each and every grade 2 student of Dongshan Elementary School was completely drawn into the vibrancy and excitement of the traditional art and performance. Other participating children also found it extremely fascinating and entertaining. All of them have learned the skills very attentively during the demonstration and managed to perform the Aquatic Parade (水族陣) right away for “Fun Acting out Traditional Folk Art”. This marked the excitement of this excursion and, at the same time, provided the experience of real fun of traditional folk art. 
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<title>“2008 Taiwanese Folk Art Exhibition ” Series- Constable from the Hell (陰司捕快)- “Eight Generals”</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD01Nw==</link>
<pubDate>2008/11/17</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ NCTA is currently holding an exhibition of “2008 Taiwanese Folk Art Exhibition” with the theme of the temple culture of Taiwan, which comprises main categories of: Taoist ritual and folk parade. God Generals, Emperor’s Chariot (鑾駕), Twelve Grannies Parade (十二婆姐陣), Song-jiang Parade, Golden Lion Parade and Eight Generals Parade are included in the parade exhibition. The Eight Generals parade is the most well known of the parade, nonetheless, only a small number of people able are to list the complete names, titles, duties and responsibilities of the Eight Generals. 

“Eight Generals” has always been the crucial highlight of the general temple events and plays an important role of leading the way, controlling and keeping the order. The generals wear helmets, straw shoes and the Taoist wardrobe, with a fan in one hand and the Taoist ritual instruments in another. They walk with the strange swaggering steps, along with their colorful facial mask-like make up and the glaring angry eyes, they seem very self-assurance and dignified, and that creates a rather dramatic and terrific impact. Eight Generals conveys ingenious artistic expression and vibrant characteristics and, at the same time, helps to avert disasters and misfortunes, and fend off evils spirits. “Eight Generals” has an extremely vital and irreplaceable importance in the world of folk parade. 

The Chengshan Temple in Sanwujia of Jiali Township, Tainan County provided costumes, props, masks and other artifacts of “Eight Generals” to exhibit at the 2008 Taiwan Folk Art Exhibition. “Eight Generals” of Chengshan Temple was established in 1916 and has the folk parade of a significant long history in the Southern Taiwan. They are often invited to perform at the various large scale temple events in Southern Taiwan. “2008 Taiwan Folk Art Exhibition” will be exhibited from today until December 21, 2008 at the NCTA Exhibition Center. The operation hours are from 9am till 6pm daily and closed on every Monday from 9m till 12am. For those who are interested, please grab the opportunity and come and learn more about the temple culture. 
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/1546296164010_A.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="傳習二館黃瀅權創作許多大小不一的恐龍（陳衍吟攝）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/4274296164010_B.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="來自羅東的林郁軒小朋友有幸獲得黃老師親手製作的恐龍（陳衍吟攝）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/9544296164010_C.jpg" border="0" width="240" height="159" alt="紙管吊橋很受小朋友喜愛（陳衍吟攝）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/4745296164010_D.jpg" border="0" width="240" height="159" alt="大朋友可以帶著小朋友到恐龍故事館體驗（陳衍吟攝）">]]></description>
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<title>Fantastic Sounds from the Land of the Philippines—An Exhibition of the Traditional Instruments of the Philippines and Its Neighboring Countries Begins Today!</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD00OA==</link>
<pubDate>2008/11/3</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ In the name of WOW Philippines! and with assistance from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office of the Philippines, the Asia-Pacific Traditional Arts Festival 2008 (APTAF 2008) will begin in hustle and bustle on October 10 for a period of ten days. Elite performing groups of traditional arts and craft artists are invited to give performances and demonstrations at the festival to let citizens understand more about the Filipino cultural character and artistic temperament.

The NCFTA began organizing the APTAF in 2000, and this our seventh year. Over the past six festivals, we have invited performing groups and artists from 20 neighboring countries and regions to join the event, and we continue to invite excellent performing groups from Asia-Pacific to stage performances at the festival. With our accumulated success, the APTAF has become a platform for cultural and artistic exchange in the Asia-Pacific region. To mark out the characteristics of the traditional arts of the thematic country, the Philippines, for the festival of this year, we have organized  the Fantastic Sounds from the Land of the Philippines—“An Exhibition of the Traditional Instruments of Philippines and Its Neighboring Countries 2008” in order to present the universality and differences in traditional music of Southeast Asian countries through the comparison and contrast of musical instruments from the Philippines and its neighboring countries, such as Thailand, Burma and Vietnam, and Taiwan. Materials presented in photos; i.e. photos of ensembles and musical groups from northern, central and southern Philippines are compared with photos of ensembles and musical groups of other countries. There is also an exhibition of major traditional musical instruments for ensembles of the Philippines and its neighboring countries. The exhibition is held on the 2/F of NCFTA during October 4-October 31. If you want to see the traditional music instruments of the Philippines and its neighboring countries, do not miss this chance!
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/1702283152433_A.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="20071010台灣紙藝大展開幕\合切60吋紙蛋糕揭示「2007台灣紙藝大展」盛大開幕（陳衍吟攝）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/9416283152434_B.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="蘭陽青年會表演紙扇舞（陳衍吟攝）">]]></description>
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<title>High-mountain Folksongs with Traditional Instruments from Pangsiw Artistic Group of Madukayan Tribe in the Northern Philippines</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD00OQ==</link>
<pubDate>2008/11/3</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ In order to let Taiwanese citizens understand more about the characteristics of Filipino musical culture, the “Asia-Pacific Traditional Arts Festival 2008 (APTAF 2008)” organized by the Preparatory Office of the National Headquarters of Taiwan Traditional Arts will present during October 10 to October 12 “the Pangsiw Artistic Group of the Madukayan Tribe” from the mountainous area in northern Philippines. In addition to their local folk dances and music, musicians of the group will show you how to make their instruments and play them right before your eyes at the Fantastic Sounds from the Land of the Philippines—“An Exhibition on the Traditional Instruments of the Philippines and Its Neighboring Countries 2008”.
Due to the latitude and climatic conditions, bamboos are seen everywhere in the mountainous areas in the northern Philippines. This explains why bamboo is the major material for local musical instruments and the development of a musical culture of bamboo instruments in the area.
The “Pangsiw Artistic Group of the Madukayan Tribe” is one of the mountain tribes in northern Luzon. Members of the group are from the Pangsiws of the Madukayan Tribe living in the high-mountain province. Besides farming, music is the cohesive activity of the Pangsiws. The bamboo instruments used by the group include the balingbing, a split-bamboo or bamboo buzzer; the kolintong, a six-stringed bamboo tube zither; the parading, an end-blown flute; the tongali, a nose flute; and the onnat, a jaw’s harp. 
If you want to see more interesting traditional Filipino musical instruments, you must visit the Fantastic Sounds from the Land of the Philippines—“An Exhibition of the Traditional Instruments of Philippines and Its Neighboring Countries 2008” held from now on until October 31. On October 10 to October 12, and on October 18 and October 19, two instrument making workshops and performances are arranged everyday at the National Center for Traditional Arts. Come and join us!

<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/8423288102245_A.jpg" border="0" width="169" height="240" alt="">]]></description>
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<title>Lanterns from Chinese Paintings</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD01NA==</link>
<pubDate>2008/10/31</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The National Center for Traditional Arts (NCFTA) has planned a series of folk activities for this season of the Exhibition of Folk Arts in Taiwan 2008. An exquisite Lantern Exhibition held at the Traditional Handicraft Artists’ Studio V displayed works made by Yu-zhu Lin, founder of the Chinese Artistic Lantern Association, and prisoners of Yilan Prison. These works based on peacocks and birds were favored by the public. 
In early Taiwan, as people made the frame of traditional lanterns with bamboo strips, the creation was restricted by the availability and convenience of materials. Therefore, Lin embarked on the research and reform of materials for making lanterns since 1979. She began using iron wires wrapped with paper to replace bamboo stripes to make the frame. This way, people could learn how to make a lantern more easily. In fact, thanks to her efforts lantern works have attracted a greater public. Lin has studied art and Chinese painting, so she integrates Chinese painting to lantern making. The flowers, birds, pines, and peacocks on her lanterns were all her own creations and look live walking out from the lanterns. Her devotion not only earned her countless awards but also opportunities to display her works at home and abroad. In fact, she has been invited by various educational institutions, artistic groups and local prisons to give classes on lantern making and to promote folk art.
At this Lantern Exhibition, prisoners of Yilan Prison were also invited to display their works. Yilan Prison has made lanterns for more than a decade, and is committed to the research and development of lantern making in order to introduce various novel lanterns. In fact, the artistry of lantern making of Yilan Prison has surpassed the professional level!
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/8483291214250_A.jpg" border="0" width="240" height="159" alt="游政達與作品幻紫謎蝶(陳衍吟攝)">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/5440291214251_B.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="游政達與作品驚世皇權（陳衍吟攝）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/4940291214251_C.jpg" border="0" width="240" height="174" alt="游政達調整展示櫃內作品神情專注（陳衍吟攝）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/9141291214251_D.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="游政達作品細膩生動（陳衍吟攝）">]]></description>
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<title>Competition of Taiwanese Deity Figurines (dua-xian-una-xian-bia-xian) breaks out this November 1-2</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD01NQ==</link>
<pubDate>2008/10/31</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The National Center for Traditional Arts (NCFTA) has planned the Taiwanese Figurines activity for this November. In addition to the traditional deity figurine competition (bian-xian), traditional virgin-boy parade combining rock ‘n roll, ragtime, and hip-hop, which is quite popular in modern temple fairs, will appear. After local deity figurine groups in Yilan start the deity figurine competition (bian-xian) on November 1, other forms of temple fairs, such as the “traditional deity blessing tour”, “electric guitar sam-tai-zu”, and the “tale of deity figurines”, will be presented at the NCFTA every weekend evening. These activities have added modern elements to traditional rituals.
In Taiwanese temple fairs, gigantic figurines often stride in front of the deity’s sedan and swing and shake their hands along with the rhythm of the ceremonial music. In fact, Taiwanese figurine parades are the most attractive part and the most popular “idols” in local temple fairs. Such figurines, often in the form of deities, have different names in different parts of Taiwan. For example, they are known as the “dua-xian-un-a-din” (deity figurine parade) in central and northern Taiwan, but are called the “deity idol” or “deity figurine” in southern Taiwan; and the “dun-a-din” (virgin body parade) is more colloquial to locals.
The “Xinyi and Taizu clubs of Dongyeu Temple” and “Wangye Club of Sanxingzhong Temple” in Yilan will be invited to the “Competition of Taiwanese Deity Figurines” (dua-xian-una-xian-bia-xian) held this weekend (November 1-2). Through a large parade, deity worship, parade competition, and the support of the sensational ceremonial music, the captivating deity figurine culture of Taiwan is fully displayed. When beiguan followers “challenged other groups”(pinguan) in early Yilan, they used the deity figurines at the head of the parade to mark out the identity of their groups and attract the attention of others. This is how the deity figurine competition culture formed. The custom has been followed since then and has become an important event for celebrating the birthday of deity worshipping in temples.
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<title>The Largest Ceremony in the Southern Taiwan – the Ceremony of the King Boat</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD01Mw==</link>
<pubDate>2008/10/27</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Donglung Temple, Sanliao Bay of Beimen Township in Tainan County has provided the models of King Boat Ceremony, which will be showcased at the Taiwan folk exhibition. The models are about 1:14 of the real proportion that comprises palaces, an honorific arch, the King Boat, puppets for the parade and various kinds of models. It is certainly a scene of bustle and excitement. Other than the exhibition on the models, the Preparation Office of Southern Folk Cultural Materials Center(南方俗民物質文化資料館) has also prepare a complete and informative exhibition on handwritten navigation and ceremonial scriptures from the Ming and Ching Dynasty. 

Donglung Temple of Sanliao Bay has branched out from Wenwang Temple(溫王廟) in Donggang. The temple was established in 1948 and was first named “Tzuan Temple”, but later it was changed to “Donglung Temple”. While it followed and imitated the Ceremony of the King Boat Ceremony of Donglung Temple in Donggang, due to the fact that the celebration for Wunwang’s birthday is on November 1 of the lunar calendar. This year, the Donglung Temple of Sanliao Bay decided to change the King Boat Ceremony to the afternoon of October 30 of the Western calendar and the farewell ceremony on the afternoon of November 1. The King Boat will be delivered and cremated in Wangchuandi(王船地) of Sanliao Bay. According to Mr. Wen-hsien Chen, the committee member of Donglung Temple, the King Boat for this year is measured 42.29 taichi(台尺) (12.81M) that includes mast and flag pole with the height of 33 taichi(台尺) (9.99M) , which is equivalent of 3 stories high. The total budget is around NTD$2 million. With the worshipping ceremony, the ritual for universal salvation etc and other costs, the grand total should reach NTD$20 million. No wonder that the King Boat Ceremony has always been the largest and most unique local ceremony in the Southern Taiwan. For those who are interested in witnessing the event, The Chief Executive, Mr.Chen extends his warmest welcome for people to take part in the scene of the ceremony. 

<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/7754289231721_A.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="小朋友好奇觸摸大獅頭（陳衍吟攝）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/9010289231721_B.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="獅頭有一人高（舞獅者為參展藝術家之一吳登興）">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/4211289231721_C.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="施竣雄邊示範邊講解各種獅頭的特色（陳衍吟攝）">]]></description>
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<title>Concert of Autumn Romance ~【Xinxin Nanguan Ensemble】Let Nanguan (Southern Winds)’s Poetic Sentimentality of Early Autumn Touch Your Heart Strings</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD01Mg==</link>
<pubDate>2008/10/23</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ We have invited Xinxin Wang, former Director- General of “LiyuanDance Studio of the Han-Tang Yuefu Music Ensemble”, and later went on to found her own “Xinxin Nanguan” Ensemble in 2002. While Wang has been dedicated herself in the restoration of traditional Chinese classical music, she also makes an extra effort to redefine nanguan with a new role in the modern society. Xinxin Wang was born and raised in Quanzhou, Fujian, the hometown of nanguan and has received her nanguan education at the age of four. She then mastered in all different methods of fingering, composition and various musical instruments, especially singing, which she had won countless awards. In 1992, Xinxin Wang relocated to Taiwan to take the position of Director-General and the first musician of “The Han-Tang Yuefu Music Ensemble”. She traveled with the Han-Tang to the renowned universities and major art festivals all over the world. In 1995, she was the winner of “the Golden Tripod Award” of the Government Information Office, Executive Yuan for the best singing and performance. Wang’s album “Tang Poetry in Nanguan Performance- Thoughts upon a Silent Night” won “the Golden Melody Award” for best album. Xinxin Wang has a perfect pitch for singing, together with her graceful music style; and a subtle melody and rhythm that touches every heart string. With the emblematic characteristics of purity and straightforwardness of classical music, Wang gathered years of artistic accomplishments and performance skills, which made her the master of the voice of nanguan in Taiwan. Apart from her musical performance, it is hard to believe that she is also very experienced in teaching. The method of her teaching is systematic and easy to grasp, which helps the learners who really keen to understand more about nanguan gradually and build the skill from the ground up. With the most effective way of learning the knowledge of nanguan music- Wang is one of the rare topnotch nanguan musicians and researchers in teaching you can find in Taiwan. 
 
Apart from the other nanguan concerts in the past, the nanguan music concert of the early autumn that was held in NCTA will consist mostly lighthearted and mirthful repertoire. 
We can see a few glimpses of everyday life of ordinary people through these musical pieces. The stunning surrounding scenery of NCTA seems turn back the hands of time and captivates the audiences in a bygone era so they feel part of the scene. The fun and lively learning experience will be sharing with the audiences the gentle and classical style of nanguan music.   
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<title>“MSU-IIT Kalimulan Cultural Dance Troupe” displays Islamic characteristics and customs from the southern Philippines</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD01MQ==</link>
<pubDate>2008/10/20</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The “MSU-IIT Kalimulan Cultural Dance Troupe” brings us a touch of the southern Philippines and gives performances on Mindanao folk dances. The troupe’s name Kalimulan is coined from Kalilan and Kaamulan to denote the communication and integration of the local Islamic and non-Islamic cultures. The troupe won the Best Dancing Troupe Award from the ALIW Award in 2006. Traditional dances of Mindanao are different from the passionate and carefree style of general Filipino folk dances. Under Islamic influence, Mindanao traditional dances emphasize hand motions. Dancers are solemn and elegant. The repertoire presented by the troupe at the Asia-Pacific Traditional Arts Festival 2008 includes the Kapag-apir-apir (fan dance for welcoming guests), the Tutop in which women dancers cover up the feet of the main characters with tutop woven with bamboo leaves, and the Kapa Malong-Malong using different styles of dressing to represent puberty. All these dances present the multidimensional customs and culture of Mindanao.
Two Filipino craft artists are also invited to demonstrate the Filipino crafts to Taiwanese audiences. Mr. Rudel San Gaspar will present his famous wood sculptures. Fine wood sculpture is the major income source of Pakil citizens. With magical craftsmanship, they turn bulky wood into fine artwork, such as necklaces, earrings, photo frames, furniture and decorations. Traditional woodwork without the use of either nails or glue is the distinctive feature of Pakil wood sculpture art. It is an art creation requiring extreme patience, concentration and creativity.
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<title>Celebrating National Day with Filipino and Taiwanese folk dances and music!</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD01MA==</link>
<pubDate>2008/10/13</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The “Asia-Pacific Traditional Arts Festival 2008” and “Taiwanese Folklores Exhibition” began on October 10, the National Day of the Republic of China. The exotic flavor of the bustling traditional dances and music of the Philippines and the folkloric taste of the characteristic folk parades and dances displaying the festival characteristics of Taiwan have turned the NCFTA more colorful.
At the grand opening held today (Oct 10), students of the Taipei Physical Education College Dancing Troupe presented the opening performance Beauty of Taiwan Festival, a dance combining the jiazhang (家將) and pojiejie (婆姐組) repertoire. Also, as it was ROC National Day, the organizer prepared a large peach-shaped bun symbolizing the joy of birth to celebrate the birthday of the Republic of China. The “Asia-Pacific Traditional Arts Festival 2008” and “Taiwanese Folklore Exhibition” officially began in the performances of all teams and the congratulations of audiences. The organizer also presented small peach-shaped buns to visitors to share the joy of the festival.
The “Bayanihan National Folk Dance Company”, a national treasure of the Philippines; the “Banda Kawayan Artistic Group” beloved by the audience; the “Pangsiw Artistic Group of the Madukayan Tribe” from the mountain area in northern Philippines; and the “Taipei Physical Education College Dancing Troupe” representing Taiwan all presented dancing and musical performances at the opening ceremony, making the ceremony festive and alive. In the theme of WOW Philippines!, the APTAF organizer invited five celebrated Filipino performing groups and four Filipino craft artists to stage performances and demonstrations of Filipino traditional arts to allow Taiwanese citizens understand more about the beauty of the multidimensional Filipino traditional culture through exquisite cultural performances and exchange.
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<title>Asia-Pacific Traditional Arts Festival 2008 kicks off!</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD00Nw==</link>
<pubDate>2008/10/1</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Every October, the National Center for Traditional Arts (NCFTA) located by the Dongshan River organizes the annual event—Asia-Pacific Traditional Arts Festival (APTAF). It is a cultural exchange and welcome treat of a host of elite performing groups and artists of traditional arts from different parts of Asia-Pacific, to encourage artistic exchange and dialog with Asia-Pacific countries through cultural diplomacy. Since 2000, the festival has been held for 6 consecutive years. This year, the APTAF will surprise you with WOW Philippines! activities. The Philippines consists of 7,107 islands geographically divided intro three major groups: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. As exchange among the islands is difficult, there is a myriad of dialects, ethnic groups and religions forming colorful cultures. In order to fully display Filipino culture as a whole and to allow let Taiwanese citizens connect with Asia-Pacific groups, the NCFTA has especially planned “traditional dance performance”, “craft art demonstration” and “musical instrument exhibition” to fully display the different cultural aspects in northern, central and southern Philippines.
The APTAF 2008 will be held from October 4-October 31. In addition to the “Fantastic Sounds from the Land of the Philippines—An Exhibition on the Traditional Instruments of the Philippines and Its Neighboring Countries” which runs throughout the festival, there will be the “Filipino Traditional Music and Dance” and the “Traditional Filipino Art Demonstration” from October 10-October 19. If you want to learn more about Filipino customs and culture, you can visit the Media Briefing Room to see the cultural documentaries provided by the Cultural Center of the Philippines. If you like exotic cultures and customs, you should not miss this chance!
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<title>Masters of Eggshell Sculptors- </title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD00Ng==</link>
<pubDate>2008/9/12</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Chang-shun Chien was nicknamed “wan-dan (playing with the eggs), wan-dan (screwed-up thing)”. He is a man of strong determination and has a real passion for art. After numerous years of tireless exploring and practicing, this self-taught artist has finally established his own footing and received recognition from others. Chang-shun Chien’s involvement with the making of the eggshell sculpture was started in 1980. It was the time when he enjoyed his sunny-side-up eggs, all of a suddenly, an idea came across his mind. He could feel the urge of recycling those eggshells and transforming them into exquisite artworks. Ever since then, Chang-shun Chien’s fate has intertwined and bound with “eggshell sculpture”. His unique artistic style and conception were formed. 

Chang-shun Chien believes that the “eggshell sculpture” is a unique mundane art, which turns mediocrity into uniqueness. On the other hand, the eggshell sculptures not only are precious for collectors, but the recycling of the eggshells also helps to solve environmental issues. 
He uses materials like chicken egg, goose egg, peacock egg, gecko egg, fresh-water turtle egg, ostrich egg etc to curve a wide range of vivid and exciting patterns, lines and characters. Those ordinary eggshells have showed us surprises in every way. We are truly overwhelmed by such painstakingly beautiful craftsmanship.  

The National Palace Museum’s “Multi-layer Ivory Sphere(象牙雕多層球)” was Chun-mai Kuan’s main source of inspiration to work on eggshell sculpture. However, the unavailability and high-price of ivory make it impossible to fulfill his childhood dream of creating his very own multi-layer ivory sphere. There was a time when his pregnant wife was about to deliver, the hen that his relatives have given as the present of prenatal care had laid an egg. While he picked up the egg, an idea came to his mind: “Instead of using ivory as the sculptural material, why can’t I use perfectly built eggshells instead!” From then on, Chun-mai Kuan devoted himself in the world of eggshell sculpture, and explored the world for almost 30 years. The eggshell is extremely delicate; any careless mistakes will ruin the whole sculpture. Therefore, time and extra effort are required during the process of creating eggshell sculpture.
This explains why eggshell sculpture is so rare and precious. 
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/7447263204731_A.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="南管美人王心心">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/8419263204731_B.jpg" border="0" width="159" height="240" alt="法國英挺大提琴手法朗克‧白瑞德">]]></description>
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<title>NCTA’s Exciting Beiguan Music Kicks off in September! Chuchien Beiguan Art Group (竹塹北管藝術團) of Hsinchu Presents a New Generation of the Authentic Beiguan!</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD00NQ==</link>
<pubDate>2008/9/5</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Starting this weekend, NCTA has organized a series of theme events in September of “The Music and Traditional Opera of Nanguan and Beiguan”. Other than the music of nanguan, beiguan and the traditional puppet show that are included in the event, we have also invited new talents. All together, there will be more than 100 performers from all over Taiwan performing a variety of styles of nanguan and beiguan with artistic significances.

The beiguan movement in Hsinchu region has played a vital role throughout the development of Taiwanese traditional opera. “Wuhusen Yishe” (五軒一社) was first established during the Japanese colonial period. Even now, Wuhusen Yishe’s (五軒一社) well-defined organizational structure and enthusiasm are still a frequently discussed topic among the older generation. The amateur group “Hsuen Shen” (軒社) of Hsinchu is a major breeding ground for numerous beiguan professionals. Beiguan has faced harsh challenges of the modern trend, and, at times, was in danger of extinction. Due to the long-standing efforts of its devotees, “Hsinchu City Society for Beiguan and Traditional Opera” (新竹市北管戲曲促進會) was finally established in 1999. It not only broke Hsuen She’s (軒社) tradition of no job shuffle in the industry, but gathered performers and supported the group for the next several years. Since the “Chuchien Beiguan Wind Art Group” (竹塹北管藝術團) was established in December, 2007, it has actively promoted the art and traditional opera of beiguan, as well as working hard to pass the heritage on to future generations. So far, they have slowly, but surely, achieved their goals

Now, “Chuchien Beiguan Wind Art Group” (竹塹北管藝術團) gives the most authentic performance on the classic beiguan opera “Tianshuiguan” (天水關) and “Liushiu Fukuo” (劉秀復國). A renowned makeup master for opera, Tsun Po Fu, will be the chief makeup artist, and will conduct the live makeup demonstration. Young scholars will also participate in the opening and the performance of beiguan. Such wonderful and exciting performances will help to present the qualities of beiguan all at once. Audiences can now experience the captivating lure of the traditional art.
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/331825613545_A.jpg" border="0" width="240" height="181" alt="明梨園">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/830425613546_B.jpg" border="0" width="240" height="179" alt="樹林國小">]]></description>
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<title>“You must become the change you want to see in the world- Family Lou’s Miniature Sculpture”</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD00NA==</link>
<pubDate>2008/8/27</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The exhibition “2008 Taiwan Sculpture Exhibition” of NCTA is currently exhibiting 9 miniature sculptures of Mr. Yung-yu Lou (over 90 years old) and his son Mr. Fei-hsin Lou. A magnifying glass is needed when going through the fine details of these art works, and therefore long queues of people always are always standing in front waiting to see the artworks. The most fascinating artwork of all is the sculpture of the long Golden Buddha Poem with 5,140 characters, which was carefully and neatly curved on a head of an ox. 

Mr. Yung-yu Lou was involved in miniature sculpturing back in his early days in China, however, he was forced to give it up due to the civil war. After he relocated to Hualien, during his service with the Tobacco Factory of Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation, Mr. Lou made use of his free time and worked on marble sculpture. This was a time when the marble industry of Hualien just about to boom, which was back between 1960 and 1970. Somehow, Mr. Lou managed to gather bits and pieces of his miniature sculpture technique he learned during his youth. Mr. Lou’s profound drawing skill and talent has made his marble handicraft extremely popular. 
In Chinese measurement: 10 “si” make a “hao” (si equivalent of 0.000001kg and hao is 0.00001kg), 10 “hao” make a “li” and 10 “li” make a “fen”
(li equivalent of 0.0001kg and fen is 0.001kg); hence 1 hao is approximately 1/100 of 1 centimeter. The Chinese character “mang” means the pointy part of the hair and “hao-mang” means extremely minute or small. Peace of mind is required when working on miniature sculpture. Lou’s family often studies the writings of the Buddha and meditation to calm their minds. Through a deeper state concentration, they are able to travel into the sesame-like small kingdom. No wonder miniature sculpture was given another name of “mind sculpture”. 
“2008 Taiwan Sculpture” will be exhibited until September 21 at NCTA Exhibition Center, which will start from 9am until 7pm during summer vacation months of July and August. We are closed on Monday morning. Please take this opportunity and visit our exhibition. 
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/7751250101623_A.jpg" border="0" width="213" height="240" alt="吳素霞指導學生排練">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_ce/Images/News/big/2952250101623_B.jpg" border="0" width="240" height="179" alt="吳素霞指導學生排練">]]></description>
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<title>In-sight into Hui-Shang Yang’s Poetic, Translucent and Glittering World of Glass</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD00Mw==</link>
<pubDate>2008/8/26</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Hui-Shang Yang of Liuli Gongfang is invited to take part in exhibiting her eight artworks in the NCTA’s “2008 Sculpture Expo”. In amongst the eight artworks, “Duo Ching (Sentimental)” is Hui-Shang Yang’s most recent masterpiece from her “Chenming Chihwu (Clear Realization)” series that has been invited to exhibit in USA in 2007. This series has enchanted the Western world and purchased by two main museums as part of their permanent collections. Hui-Shang Yang is renowned for her unique observations. She captures the wonderful moment of peonies bending in the breeze and further presented in a huge canvas is specifically designed for audiences to gaze upon attentively. 
Hui-Shang Yang’s involvement in flower theme is a way to depict life-force. “Huahao Yueyuan (Blooming flowers and Full moon)” series is the first phase: She has successfully demonstrated the lost wax casting technique to a new level of mastery. As a result, this series composes charming hues and the realistic appearance, which symbolizes exuberant life force in a blissful perfect state. The second phase starts from a flourishing scene of prosperity but turns transparent in theblink of an eye. Such a crystal-clear appearance is an honest depiction of the essence of the glass. Her source of inspiration originated in her realization of the “ever-changing” state- especially how insignificant human beings are when facing changes in life. Hui-Shang Yang uses glass art to suggest her attitude toward life: embrace every moment while you can. 
Hui-Shang Yang’s insightful observation redefines life, which serves as the source of creation to produce art work of tradition and cultural studies. She makes the use of the special quality of glass, which further explores the new techniques and form. The glass art has been given with a brand new definition in the modern context. For every art piìe, Yi Chang composed a zen poem that touches the bottom of your heart. The art works of both Hui-Shang Yang and Yi Chang became the representative works of oriental glass art. Their arts have exhibited in dozen of countries worldwide, gained enormous responses from the international art world and purchased by museums for permanent collections.
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<title>Exciting Kick-off for the “Open Chiang (Open小將) Creative Puppet Shows” Starting from August 15! Open Chiang will perform the Creative Puppet Shows with nation’s best puppet teams at the National Center for Traditional Art (NCTA)!</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD00Mg==</link>
<pubDate>2008/8/18</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ After the “2008 Traditional and Modern Puppet Joint Show” at the NCTA’s puppet series of August, Open Chiang will be taking the lead in “Open Chiang Creative Puppet Shows” starting from August 15 through August 22. All of N Chiang(N將) family members (Opening Chiang, Small Peach(小桃), Barcode Cat(條碼貓), Small Chuluan(小竹輪), etc.) will gather together at the NCTA for talent compete and to show off their creativity! Based on the traditional puppet format, a huge variety of puppets are used as a medium for children to perform and tell stories in a colorful, animated and childlike manner. You are invited to venture into the uncharted world of children’s creative puppetry!
The Purpose of the “National Students’ Creative Puppet Competition” is to incorporate general art education, along with the art and social science syllabus of elementary, junior and senior school levels to promote “the creative puppet education” for the art education of all school levels. This helps to strengthen students’ knowledge structure for art and social sciences, as well as to encourage more creativity and innovation in art education. This will be the very first students’ traditional puppet competition that comes with a new style of performance. The rules of the competition are to be as original as possible in scripture, dialogue, music, puppet, setting and props. Each and every creative show signifies the result of the full effort and time of the teachers and students. 
We have invited the most popular and cutest characters of the 7-ELEVEN- Open Chiang Family as our special guest stars. The audiences will enjoy two totally different styles of puppets: man-size and hand puppets. Open Chiang will perform the magic of happiness to all our guests and help us share the joyous ambience of creative puppets. 
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<title>“The Blending Of Old and New- 2008 Traditional and Modern Puppet JointShow” Starts on August 2! From old master to new talent, all 10 greatpuppet companies will be showcased here!  </title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD00MQ==</link>
<pubDate>2008/8/11</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The largest annual event of puppet show industry in Taiwan “The Blending Of Old and New- 2008 Traditional and Modern Puppet Joint Show” is supervised by Executive Yuan Council for Cultural Affairs and organized by Preparatory Office for National Taiwan Traditional Arts Headquarter. (國立台灣傳統藝術總處籌備處) All puppet companies will take part in this exciting and vibrant 10-day extravaganza starting from August 2, 2008 in National Center for Traditional Arts (NCTA) of Ilan.

Taiwan’s puppet show industry is currently consisted of two mainstream movements: the traditional movement and “Jing-Guang” (Golden-Light) movement. This joint show not only enhances the unification of the puppet movements but also brings honor to our cultural heritage. While maintaining the finest artistic profession of two puppet movements, each puppet company is highly individual in style and very unique in their list of plays. The main organizer of the event also arranges a course on “Traditional Performance Art Management”, which aims to introduce the members of these quality puppet companies relating to their effective planning and management. The company members will gain a better understanding on composing proposals as well as learn about the terms and conditions of copyright of the traditional plays. All company members are welcomed to sign up for the course. At the same time, “Exhibition on National Students’ Creative Puppet Competition”(全國學生創意偶戲比賽戲偶展) will also be held at the hall of NCTA Drama Center. The purpose of this exhibition is to preserve our cultural heritage in this new era. By showcasing students’ creativity in puppets making for the competition, every one of us will be experiencing the new diverse look of puppets from the eyes of young generation.

“The Blending Of Old and New- 2008 Traditional and Modern Puppet Joint Show” will be held at NCTA. The fans of puppet from all over Taiwan are welcomed to take part from August 2 through 11. Make trip to Ilan, you will surely enjoy a grand feast of puppet and the stunning sunset of summer.
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<title>Heinrich (Shya-Jiun) Wang’s Porcelain Artwork “Standing Position”Series Set New Eastern Aesthetics</title>
<link>http://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ncfta_eh/cindex100/enews0111.aspx?E=SWRlbnRpdHlJRD00MA==</link>
<pubDate>2008/7/22</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ “The seed of porcelain has been hidden deep down inside of Heinrich Wang’s heart for more than ten years. In the beginning of the 21st century, the seed was covered with thick and heavy soil of Chinese culture before it started to sprout. The silvery but snowy like scenery of contemporary porcelain has blossomed from then on.” This is a “deja vu” (This scene gives a sense of familiarity) vision. In the past, the glass manufacturing industry was one of the declining traditional industries in Taiwan. The very first seed of a revolution was sowed after Heinrich returned from his glass-study in the USA, which followed by the establishment of Liuli Gongfang and Tittot. He has not only set out to trigger and rewrite the glass industry of Taiwan, but expanded his influences around Hong Kong, China etc. This is a resplendent revolution that sparkles with burning passion and determination. 

With Heinrich’s infinite dreams and visions of fine craftsmanship, he was actively involved in the research and development of porcelain in 2003. Heinrich was intended to challenge another “traditional industry”, by means of passing down our ancestors’ thousand of years “a high-raise wall like” tradition. The tradition of western porcelain was derived from the Industrial Revolution. We are currently surrounded by the powerful influences from a thousand years of Chinese history and western porcelain, how could Heinrich Wang be possibly starting the new Chinese porcelain of the 21st century? After 3 years of research and development, the brand “New Qi from Eight Directions” was finally introduced in 2006. This new Eastern porcelain signified the establishment of the new contemporary aesthetics. Such gentle, velvety-smooth and flawless white porcelain no longer possesses the old-fashioned quality and form. A new generation of porcelain comprises a more trendy and stylish appearance.

“2008 Exhibition of Sculptures in Taiwan” will be exhibiting from July 1 through September 21 and will take place at the National Center for Traditional Arts. The fans of porcelain and Heinrich Wang are welcome to visit. 
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