Taiwan's all-female circus to be first Asian troupe to debut at Czech international festival

台灣全女子馬戲團將成為首個在捷克國際藝術節上首次亮相的亞洲馬戲團

'Eye Catching Circus' to break traditional circus barriers at Letni Letna


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — All-female Taiwanese circus troupe “Eye Catching Circus” will be the first Asian troupe to participate in an international festival of contemporary circus and theater Letni Letna in the Czech Republic from Aug. 15 to Sept. 1.

The troupe will present a work titled “#Since1994,” the only female circus show in Taiwan that challenges traditional gender roles in the circus industry, choreographer and director Mei Chi-ling (梅芷菱) said. The production explores female consciousness and self-identity, per CNA.

The Prague festival, a major event in the Czech performing arts scene, attracts circus enthusiasts from across Europe. Eye Catching Circus is one of four international groups invited to this year’s festival.

Mei said the title “#Since1994” refers to the birth year of all troupe members. Mei said early audiences were puzzled by the performance, prompting her to reflect on the societal challenges women face.

The troupe will perform 14 shows. The opening night is already sold out.

Lee Shih-yang (李仕洋), the troupe's director, said it is an honor to be invited to the festival. He hopes the all-female production will showcase Taiwan's contemporary circus on the world stage.

Ko Liang-jui (柯良睿), the Taiwanese representative in the Czech Republic, called the performance a landmark for Taiwanese contemporary circus in Central Europe. He expressed hope that the success will open doors for other Taiwanese arts groups to perform internationally.

Artistic director of the festival Jiri Turek visited Taiwan last year. He was so impressed by the circus that he invited the troupe to perform this year.