Taishin Bank Foundation for Arts and Culture

Comments on the Finalist 

Choreographer WANG Yeu-Kwn’s Islands draws from the cultural heritage and dance backgrounds of both himself and Indonesian dancer Danang Pamungkas, developing a piece that features the body as a solitary island and explores the connection between humanity and nature. In this poetic journey of life, they represent two islands in the vast ocean, using their bodies to redefine the boundary between land and sea on a black plastic surface. They also symbolize two pure forces that physically re-measure the borders between the body and imagination. This piece, with its enigmatic and poetic realm and the heartfelt, moving dance, blends life with the rituals of theater, crafting a unique island odyssey. (Commentator: CHEN Pin-Hsiu)

Artwork Introduction

Islands portrays the encounter and clash of two island cultures. Taiwanese choreographer WANG Yeu-Kwn and Indonesian dancer Danang Pamungkas utilize their unique physical expressions to blend elements of each other’s cultural identities. Their contrasting exchanges reflect and emphasize both their pride and feelings of insignificance, prompting deep contemplation on the formation of self-identity and the accompanying doubts. By observing and imitating one another, they create a dance dialogue that oscillates between the traditional and the contemporary, reflecting their differing perspectives on the body while revealing the loneliness and contradictions that lie within them.

About the Artist

WANG Yeu-Kwn, the Artistic Director of Shimmering Production, is a licensed fisherman. He has been selected as a resident artist at the National Theater & Concert Hall for the 2025–2026 season.

Wang stands out as the first Taiwanese artist to secure both the Studio Architanz Artist Support Prize and the Encouragement Prize at the Yokohama Dance Collection. Additionally, he is the first Taiwanese choreographer to be shortlisted for the Rose International Dance Prize at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London. Dance Magazine Japan has recognized him as a choreographer “definitely worth anticipating.”

His choreographic trilogy, “Quest for Relationships,” which includes Beings and Islands, has received invitations to prestigious venues across the UK, France, and various other European nations, earning substantial recognition in the global dance community.

Production Team

Choreographer and Concept：WANG Yeu-kwn
Performers：WANG Yeu-kwn, Danang Pamungkas
Dramaturgy：WANG Shih-wei
Stage Designer：CHEN Guan-lin
Light Designer：Joanne SHYUE
Music Designer：LIN Yu-de
Rehearsal Director：LEE Yin-ying 

Co-commissioned by the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying), National Theater & Concert Hall
Residency Support：Kinosaki International Arts Center, The Place 
Production Support：FACP - Clare C. & Friends Fellowship