Pei-Hsuan Lu, Chuan Tsai, Yu-Ting Peng, Cheng-Feng Chu, Yu-Han Huang, Chien-Yi Jung
Inspired by shadow puppetry, this performance features a backdrop drawn from traditional Taiwanese Indigenous culture. Using projections, these cultural elements are seamlessly woven into the narrative, depicting a powerful story of how people face and conquer their fears.
Multi-Cam Cut
Wide Shot
Reinterpretation
The performance "Utopia" is a reinterpretation of the relationship between the Indigenous people and the Deinagkistrodon snake. The Deinagkistrodon, a venomous snake species commonly found in Taiwan's high mountains, is known for its distinctive diamond-shaped pattern. Due to the overlap of its habitat with Indigenous territories, the snake's beautiful patterns and potent venom have left a deep impression in Indigenous culture.
Our performance is based on a Bunun legend involving the Deinagkistrodon snake. Through this adaptation, we aim to explore ways for humans and nature to coexist harmoniously. Perhaps the fear we feel is merely a result of mutual misunderstanding.
A New Era of Shadow Puppetry
To elevate the performance with technology, we chose to incorporate projection throughout the entire show. Inspired by traditional shadow puppetry, we placed the projector behind the performers. Actors will perform between the screen and the projector, using their movements to convey the story. This setup ensures clear shadows while seamlessly blending the projected images with the actors, creating a harmonious and immersive visual experience.
Performance Outline
Introduction (30 sec)
Implication: The imagery of the snake is presented abstractly using the diamond patterns of the Deinagkistrodon. These patterns are displayed in a kaleidoscopic manner, expanding and contracting to symbolize the snake's impending invasion and the disruption of the villagers' peaceful lives.
Development (2 min)
Invasion: The snake invades the village. Villagers try to fight back but fail, fleeing into the forest. The projection is from the snake's perspective, showing the villagers' frantic escape and their calls to each other. A heavy rain eventually washes away all traces.
Transition (2 min)
Reunion and Dispute: The villagers finally gather and argue about whether to return to the village. The disagreement leads to a split. Those who choose to return encounter the snake again but realize it means no harm.
Conclusion (30 sec)
Resolution: The villagers resume their daily lives and the estranged companions return with more friends. They greet each other warmly. In the final scene, one dancer opens the screen, and all performers come forward for a group bow as the music ends.
