Taishin Bank Foundation for Arts and Culture

Comments on the Finalist 

Exploring history through ghost stories is not a new concept in Taiwanese theater, but approaching theatre unveils a novel dimension with the use of this approach by utilizing a double act. KOH Choon Eiow and CHENG Yin-Chen showcase their skills in speech, performance, and singing, intertwining history and reality along with legends and facts to craft a performance featuring anecdotes from the Malaysian Communist Party that is both hilarious and incisive, witty and poignant. Ghostopia blends post-colonial parody, the acting style of Hong Kong cinema, improvisation from street theater, the rhythm of double acts, and the physical techniques of Poor Theatre, creating a rift in time and space. Amid flickering lights, ventriloquism and personal stories open a gateway into Cold War history. We are surprised to discover that the past is never truly over. Instead, in the dreamscape of Western modernity, shaped by our desires, the specter of history still lingers. (Commentator: Jen-Hao Walter HSU)

Artwork Introduction

Ghostopia is rooted in the timeless tradition of storytelling. Two performers embody multiple characters using the classic technique of “shuōshū” (storytelling to music)—with one actor taking on various roles or two actors sharing one role, continuously switching between roles and weaving a narrative filled with linguistic misfires and changing accents. Using language as a barrier, the play seeks to blend legends and true stories. The performance opens with an exorcising ritual that explores representations of ghosts across different historical eras and shifts from traditional ghosts to specters lurking in the Cold War structure during the 1950s. Through substitution, counterfactual connections, and the reimagining of actual contexts, historical symbols are intricately woven into fictional stories, piecing together snippets of erased and suppressed memories.

About the Artist

Founded in 2014 by KOH Choon Eiow (Malaysia) and CHENG Yin-Chen (Taiwan), approaching theatre is dedicated to promoting approachability and an in-depth exploration of origins. Their creative efforts encompass directing, playwriting, theatre education, and publishing. Their productions critically examine the construction of power and subjective identity within historical contexts while navigating the connection and translation between literature and drama, blending classical and contemporary elements. Inspired by the meditative qualities of traditional Asian arts, approaching theatre has developed a unique aesthetic centered on stillness and reflection. With the goal of continuously expanding the cultural landscape, their work fosters a continual exploration of aesthetics through their work.

Production Team

Director ＆ Playwright｜Koh Choon Eiow (Malaysia)

Performers｜Koh Choon Eiow、Cheng Yin-chen

Set Designer｜Lo Wan-yu

Lighting Designer｜ Nick Wu Hsia-ning

Music Designer｜Lin Yu-de

Costume & Makeup｜Summer Lin Yu-ling

Action Choreographer｜ Tien Hsiao-tzu

Cantonese Opera Instructor｜ Yuen Hok-wai

Visual Design｜Hsiao Yang-hsi

Producer｜Chang Li-chen

Marketing｜Wu Wan-ling

Executive Producer｜ Jing Wan-chi

Assistant to Director｜ Kuo Chia-yu、 Liang Ka-en

Stage Manager｜Chang Yi-chin

Techinical Director｜ Hsu Tsung-jen

Stage Crew｜Wang Yen-yen、Fang Wan-ting、Wu Hsiu-ho

Master Electrician｜ Tsai Cheng-lin

Lighting Technician｜Wang Tsai-fei、 Wu Cheng-wen、Huang Yu-syun

Sound Engineer｜Chung Yang-che

Sound Technician｜Liao Bo-hao、Su Chih-hsiang

Makeup｜Wu Sun-ning

Photography｜Kris Kang

Videography｜Chuang Chih-keng、 Lin Ye、Liu Shih-hao、Liu Guang-yen