Centered on Taiwan - September 2023

Centered on TAIWAN

Hands-On Learning

Integrated Curriculum

Low TeacherStudent Ratios

Creativity-

boosting Activities

S.T.E.M-Fun

Cooking

Sensory Play

Arts & Crafts

Gardening Outdoor P.E.

Phonics & Decoding

BEYOND CLASSROOM

Gardening Field Nutritious Meal Plans Outdoor Playground

Swimming Pool

COVER IMAGE

Matsu islands by David Mark/Pixabay

For more information, please go to our website at www.communitycenter.org.tw

COT Team

FROM THE EDITOR

Please send email submissions, comments, and feedback to coteditor@communitycenter.org.tw

“Trust in dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.”

~ Khalil Gibran

COT is now a digital publishing platform that allows you to share content in multiple ways. Discover and share our Taiwan stories in a more accessible way, anytime, anywhere.

Art, Photography and Writing Contributors

Alton Beaune

David Chang

Katherine Chang

Indigenous Bridges - ATAYAL

Howard 王浩 (Si Mateneng)

Julie Hu

Roma Mehta

Tobie Openshaw

Jessica Wang Simula

Coryanne (A-way Maya Titiyon)

Lucy Torres

Correspondence may be sent to the editor at coteditor@ communitycenter.org.tw Freelance writers, photographers and illustrators are welcome to contact the editor to discuss editorial and graphic assignments. Your talent will find a home with us!

Publisher Adam McMillan

Centered on Taiwan is a publication of the Community Services Center, 2F, No. 238, Zhongshan N. Rd., Sec. 6, Shilin, Taipei, Taiwan 111032 Tel: 02-2836-8134 Fax: 02-2835-2530

Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner.

COT publishes 10 editions in full, magazine format online with only 4 printed editions (Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring) each year. COT is printed on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified 100% post-consumer recycled fiber. See the FSC rules mandates here: https://ic.fsc.org/

COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER

The Community Services Center (CSC) is a non-profit foundation. CSC provides outreach and early intervention through counseling, cross-cultural education and life skills programs to meet the needs of the international community in Taipei. CSC offers the opportunity to learn, volunteer, teach and meet others. Check out our website www.communitycenter.org.tw and drop by The Center to chat with us about our programs. You can also email us at csc@communitycenter.org.tw.

Director

Office Manager

Counselors Consultants

Counseling Admin.

Adam McMillan

Mandy Wang McCarthy

I-wen Chan, Katherine Chang, Hui-shiang Chao, Chiao-Feng Chung, Cerita Hsu, Lily Lin, Miranda Lin, Emilie Ma, Kuan-Shan Wan, Zoe Wu

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the September edition of Centered on Taiwan, now available online.

Traveling broadens one's horizons, and when combined with an activity that connects you to people from other indigenous cultures, it becomes even more meaningful. In this edition, two young ambassadors from the indigenous tribes of Taiwan share their experiences of a dream journey and what it meant to them. Alton Beaune also shares an in-depth review of a series of one-act plays, each of which explores a different aspect of art that is aptly named "Dangerous Art."

There is no better way to understand and get a feel for local culture than by exploring the local market. Join Ivy’s Shidong Market Tour for a taste of Taiwan’s local flavours. Lucy Torres, the Center’s resident outdoor adventure enthusiast, shares what goes on Behind the Scenes at Bali Trail Run. She will also be leading the Center’s Taipei Grand Trail Hike starting September so stay tuned. Part 2 of Tobie Openshaw's series on Preparing for Emergencies in Taiwan is a useful guide to making plans relevant to any disruptive event.

The digital nomad wave is catching on in Taiwan and one of the early runners is the TTnomads. In collaboration with the Taitung County Government, Crossroads has created a program for a growing community of digital nomads. The project aims to create an ecosystem that fosters meaningful cross-cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and professional growth while putting Taiwan on the map as a global destination for digital nomadism and entrepreneurship.

At the Center, we have exciting programs and gatherings planned for the fall, including the Center’s Annual Auction Fundraiser in October. Also check out our website for the new Fall & Winter catalog that is now available online and at The Center.

As a non-profit organization, the Center offers COT free for all, supported by those who can. Get in touch if you would like to advertise with us or sponsor future editions.

Subscribe to the COT at this link and never miss an issue. https://centered-on-taiwan.com/

Wishing you all a happy Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

Roma

Counseling Admin. Assistant

Accountant

Programs Manager

Events Coordinator

Communications

Mandarin Chinese Teacher

Systems Manager

Intern

Coffee Mornings Coordinator

Volunteers

Anne Cheng, Tom Cole, Mary Langerstrom Ximena Lopez, Sofia Vintimila

Joanne Chua

Matina Chen

Monica Cheng

Lucy Torres

Sammy Driessen

Pia Munk-Janson

Gloria Gwo

Samson Assamnew

Lily Altamirano

Melany Zwartjes

Sophie Lin, John Imbrogulio, Jessica Wang Simula, Yuk Lin (Jan) Tsang, Petra Yu, SzuHan Wang, Miyuki Boice

Lutetia ART-at-TAC

New Page Books Elsewhere Theater Company Gemma Green

Roma Mehta Editor coteditor@ communitycenter.org.tw

Katia Chen Graphic Designer katia@ communitycenter.org.tw

Naomi Kaly Advertising Manager naomi@ communitycenter.org.tw

CHINESE CLASSES

SEPTEMBER 4 – OCTOBER 18

Monday & Wednesday mornings

Survival Chinese 1, 2, and Refresher

IT’S ALL ABOUT FOOD

September 15

September 19

September 26

Taiwanese Healthy Cooking

Healthy Vegetarian and Vegan Meals Shidong Market Tour

TIME TO EXPLORE

September 14

September 20

September 21

September 22

Shung Ye Museum

Taipei Grand Trail Adventure

Lin Family Mansion Tour

Green Dragon Ridge Hike

ARTS & CRAFTS

September 18

September 20

Have Fun with Art Chinese Knotting

W h a t : A 1 3 0 k m c i r c u i t a r o u n d T a i p e i w i t h 8 s e c t i o n s t o c o m p l e t e

W h y : S h o w y o u r s e l f t h e m o u n t a i n s y o u c a n c l i m b R a i s e m o n e y f o r T h e C e n t e r

W h e n : T w o W e d n e s d a y s a m o n t h f r o m S e p t e m b e r t o D e c e m b e r

C o s t : N T $ 6 0 0 0

( T h i s i n c l u d e s s e v e n h i k e s a n d o n e b i k e t r i p a l l w i t h a g u i d e )

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n e m a i l c e @ c o m m u n i t y c e n t e r o r g t w

Exploring the Local Market

Wherever you are in the world, the local market is always a great place to see local produce and get a feel for the local food culture. Shidong Market in Tianmu is no exception. As soon as you enter your senses are assailed with noises, smells, tastes and textures, while your eyes are treated to a feast of color from the tropical flowers at the first florist’s stand and the mountains of fruit and vegetables on neighboring stalls.

If you’re like me, and not from Asia, you might wonder exactly where to start your shopping. When I first arrived, I did recognize most of the fruit, as the UK supermarkets do

have a wide variety of tropical fruit. However, the size of the watermelons and yellow mangoes and the sweetness of the pineapples was a delightful surprise. I also like how you can note the seasons passing by what fruit is on sale: mangoes mean summer, persimmons show autumn is on its way and so on. Choosing vegetables was trickier though. Some vegetables looked familiar, but were by no means the same. For example, eggplant is incredibly elongated here and Taiwanese green beans are much longer than French beans. All the different leaves on offer are another matter and quite a few times I’ve bought what I thought was lettuce or spinach only

to discover it wasn’t, but I had no idea what it was! My stir fry repertoire has expanded here now, as I include water spinach, sweet potato leaves and my all-time-favorite: bird nest fern.

The meat and fish stalls are relatively straightforward, although I am still shocked by all the parts of the chicken that they eat here that don’t even make the shelves in the UK. However, the stalls selling bottled and packaged products are harder to navigate, as I can’t read Chinese, so I have no idea what the items are. This is when Google Translate and Pleco come in handy.

If you are a new arrival in Taiwan, or simply would like to know more about local products, then I recommend you join Ivy’s Shidong Market Tour. She will explain what the different fruits and vegetables are, as well as give you tips on where to buy the best meat and seafood and how to tell if it's fresh. She’ll also point out soy sauce, sesame paste and other condiments you might need. She can introduce you to the different dumplings, noodles and buns too. While you’re there, ask her to show you where the Taiwanese rice pancakes (spring roll wrappers)

https://communitycenter.org.tw/event/1130/shidong-market-tour/ https://communitycenter.org.tw/event/1176/market-to-table/

MORNING BOOK CLUB

10:30-12:00, second Tuesday of the month., contact Julie Hu at: mcelroy22000@yahoo.com

SEPTEMBER 12

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, 2020

JOIN THE NEW PAGE BOOK CLUB

Come join our monthly book club online or in-person every first Thursday of the month. Members get to submit suggestions and vote for the next read! And you can exchange books at our trolleys or online.

https://www.newpage.life/books or FB: New Page Books

are – these make a good alternative to tortillas that are sometimes in short supply. Alternatively, join her Market to Table cooking class and enjoy shopping at the market and then cooking up some delicious dishes. Either way, you’ll be more confident about visiting the local markets and cooking with local ingredients, so sign up now!

Lucy Torres is the Programs Manager at The Center and enjoys organising different activities and events that cover topics from Taiwanese culture to environmental awareness.

Fall & Winter Catalog

https://communitycenter.org.tw/what-we-do/activities/

2023 Fall & Winter Activities

The print version of the Fall & Winter catalog is available at The Center.

Behind the Scenes at Bali Trail Run

For me there is nothing better than walking in the hills and seeing what new flora and fauna I can spot. I’ve now started trail running as well as it offers the chance to safely explore new routes on more remote trails. The organizers provide the route electronically in advance of the race, and on the day it is clearly marked with ribbons or flour so it’s hard (although not impossible!) to get lost. The atmosphere at these runs is very lively and fun as for most people the goal is to complete the race rather than win. This means that many people, me included, don’t run the whole trail, they just go as fast as they can to finish before the cut-off time. These competitions often offer several distances so you can choose the one that suits your fitness level. If you’re not quite ready to compete though, another option is to be a volunteer which is just as fun. This is what I did in June and I got to see behind the scenes as to just how much work is involved in putting on one of these events.

The Bali Trail Run took place on

10th June and was organized by Venture Treks couple Jean and Elzanne Blignaut together with Barton Lin. Obviously there was a huge amount of preparation in the months leading up to the event: planning the route, designing and ordering bibs, T-shirts,

prizes, tracking registrations and so forth. However, the main physical work started the week before the race when the trail was checked to clear heavy undergrowth or add a rope to slopes that were particularly steep. The day before the race, the organizers and support staff walked the course attaching orange ribbons every so often to mark the trail and took drinks and snacks up to the checkpoints which were not accessible by road. They finished all this at 4 am, just three hours before the race started!

On race day more support staff arrived around 5 am. The start was in front of the Guimashan Zihuang Tianyi Zhenqing Temple and the support of the temple staff was key to hosting this event and much appreciated. Not long after the volunteers had set up, the first competitors appeared and the area soon picked up energy and was buzzing with runners collecting their race packs, bumping into old friends and making new ones. Barton and Jean gave out instructions about the course and made sure everyone had enough water with them, while some helpers went off to take their places at the various checkpoints.

At 7 am the starting horn sounded and the 21km runners set off and at 7.15 the 11km runners followed suit; in both cases with AED runners bringing up the rear in case any first aid were needed on the mountain. I stood at one junction about 500m from the start to make sure everyone turned right and

TEXT: LUCY TORRES

PHOTO: SEAN LIN

PHOTO: EASON TSAI

went up the hill. This was a fun place to be as everyone was still running close together and full of energy ready to conquer the mountain. Plus, I remained there for the two kids races of 1km and 2km. They went past me up the hill and then back. On the way up the younger ones run happily with a parent in tow to keep an eye on them. On the way back the children were still running happily but parents were following much more slowly which begs the question who was taking care of whom?!

About an hour or so into the race, messages started appearing in the LINE group such as ‘need more water at checkpoint 1’ ‘runner lost near

checkpoint 2’ which kept Jean, Elzanne and Barton busy going up and down the mountain. The top three 11km runners appeared at the finish line after about one and a half hours – real mountaingoat-runners – and then the other finishers started trickling in, with the first 21km runner arriving in just under three hours. The temple staff also appeared with huge amounts of food, so runners could recharge their system with noodles, rice and vegetables but it was the cold water and beer that was most popular in the 35°+ heat.

At one point there was a message in the LINE group that runners were confused about the route near the end.

PHOTO: 清冰PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: 清冰PHOTOGRAPHY

So I returned to my checkpoint. Waiting for finishers to come down the last stretch of the hill was a very different experience to the start. Runners appeared in ones or twos, weary and unsure where to go. I polished my pronunciation of “Jia you!” and “Kuai daole!”, in most cases getting a nod and a tired smile in return, although some still had enough energy to cheer themselves on.

Back at the finish, Jean congratulated the top five in each race and after sharing their experiences runners started to make their way home. Finally, at around 3 pm, almost eight hours after starting, the sweepers of the 21km race arrived at the finish to a big cheer. The sweeper’s job is to follow the slowest runners of the competition to make sure they don’t get lost and to take down the race ribbons and collect any rubbish as they go. Their return meant mission accomplished, all runners were safely back at the start. So all that was left to do was take down the banners and tents, tidy away the tables and head home.

If you enjoy being outdoors, then

I can recommend taking part or volunteering at one of these events. You can choose how active you want to be and either way, you’ll join an enthusiastic group that enjoys having fun in the countryside. There are various running organizations including Venture Treks and I have included some links you can check out. My next event is the Formosa Trail in November, so maybe I’ll see you there.

Lucy Torres is the Programs Manager at The Center and enjoys organising different activities and events that cover topics from Taiwanese culture to environmental awareness.

Useful links: https://www.venturetreks.asia/vt-volunteers-kmw https://www.facebook.com/CrazyBeerTrailRun/ https://beast.run/ https://www.ahotu.com/event/msig-taiwan-action-asia-50

PHOTO: @COUNTRY FOLKS

PHOTO: @COUNTRY FOLKS

PHOTO: SEAN LIN

Embracing Digital Nomadism for Economic Revitalization in Rural Taiwan

TEXT: DAVID CHANG IMAGES: CROSSROADS

In collaboration with the Taitung County Government, non-profit organization Crossroads has launched TTnomads: Taiwan’s first official remote worker, or “digital nomad,” community. Its free online platform at ttnomads.circle.so offers information in English on services and resources for long stay and co-working in beautiful Taitung County. A growing community of digital nomads, travelers, local residents, and businesses are openly contributing to this site. Basic translation services are also provided by Crossroads for free to local businesses that might feel intimidated posting in English on the platform. Furthermore, with the platform’s social media tools, meetups and group activities can be arranged via posting and messaging functions.

The project aims to create an ecosystem that fosters meaningful cross-cultural exchange, knowledge

sharing, and professional growth while putting Taiwan on the map as a global destination for digital nomadism and entrepreneurship. Across Taiwan, the effects of aging populations on rural regions, hastened by low national birth rates and the “rural flight” of local youths to urban centers, such as Taipei, have been increasingly felt, slowing economic growth and straining social systems. And, now, as the competition to attract foreign talent between countries intensifies in the post-pandemic era, Crossroads and the Taitung County Government have stepped forward to embrace digital nomadism as a way to tap into a diverse pool of talent.

With the advancement of Internet technologies, digital nomadism is a hybrid form of life, work, and travel that emerged more than a decade ago, as workers in digital fields realized that they could complete work duties

online without needing to step into a traditional office. With this newfound freedom, these “digital nomads” increasingly began seeking and forming communities in locations around the world that could offer a higher level of work-life balance. Now, in the postpandemic era, the scope of remote work has expanded immensely, as many entrepreneurs and companies continue to adopt this trend. Offering pristine natural environments, a friendly

indigenous population, diverse cultural experiences, and a slower pace of life, Taitung County is particularly suited to attract this growing demographic.

Many digital nomads are entrepreneurs and freelancers looking for opportunities to collaborate with local businesses and startups. By connecting with Taiwan's entrepreneurial ecosystem, digital nomads can share their expertise,

exchange ideas, and forge partnerships with local entrepreneurs. This collaboration promotes innovation and mutual growth for both nomads and the local business community, while not posing as direct competition in the local job market.

Digital nomads are not just remote workers; they are also temporary and potentially long-term residents who contribute to local economies. By attracting digital nomads, Taiwan's tourism industry can also benefit from increased revenue generated through extended stays, spending on accommodation, food, transportation, and leisure activities. This, in turn, stimulates economic growth and local businesses.

The launch of TTnomads' platform marks an exciting chapter in Taiwan's talent attraction and economic revitalization efforts. By embracing digital nomadism, Taiwan harnesses the potential of a diverse and skilled global workforce, fostering innovation and cross-cultural exchange.

Readers may embrace the digital nomad lifestyle in Taiwan by joining TTnomads as a member for free.

Connect with a dynamic community of like-minded individuals, attend enriching events and workshops, explore job opportunities, and immerse yourself in Taiwan's captivating culture. Whether you're a seasoned digital nomad, entrepreneur seeking new inspiration and collaborative opportunities, or

simply looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, TTnomads offers the support and resources to make your stay in Taitung County an unforgettable and transformative experience. Join TTnomads today and embark on a journey of professional growth and cultural discovery in beautiful Taitung County.

David is the founding secretary-general of Crossroads 社團法人台 灣全球連結發展協會 , a national-level non-profit organization actively connecting Taiwan with international communities and resources, and the founder and CEO of Wordcorp 一元 翻譯, an online translation platform serving businesses and institutions around the world. With a background in public service and law, his career has been focused on bridging social, economic, and cultural divides to unite communities towards the discovery and achievement of even greater pursuits.

The Sword, the Golf Club, and the Walkingstick:

Elsewhere Theatre’s Dangerous Art

My girlfriend and I recently saw a set of three modern plays. The program, Dangerous Art , was presented by Taipei’s Elsewhere Theater Company(ETC) in partnership with the Red Room. Barry Hall, dramaturge, conceived and directed the three plays as a set, with an eye for correspondences.

The Guling Street Avant-Garde Theatre ( 牯嶺街小 劇場) provided the venue. The theatre, a black box in downtown Taipei, puts a historic building to new use. As far as my friend and I know, Dangerous Art marks the debut of English-language theatre in the venue. The seating adapts itself to any number of configurations. Lighting equipment gives the production team an array of options, and the acoustics work well for spoken theatre. Partitioned for Dangerous Art, the staging area was deep, with Chinese-language surtitles projected on the upstage curtain. The lobby is a welcoming place for photos, and mingling.

Resident English-language performance art in Taiwan finds many forms. They include storytelling and poetry readings, sketch comedy, stand-up and open mikes, competitions, improvisations, musical and folkloric and educational events. Where does ETC fit?

The company is professional at every layer. As the name implies, the Elsewhere’s repertory emphasises imports from abroad. Viewers can expect thoughtfully chosen works presented by experienced thespians who respect their craft, their material, and their audience.

Dangerous Art offers three well-crafted plays—all knowingly cast, astutely directed, and acted from both head and heart. Each thespian involved has a meaningful moment. Audiences leave with plenty to ponder.

Let’s explore.

Barry Hall: Damnation (2023)

Art, as a condition of its creation, requires solitude— what psychologist Anthony Storr describes as ‘willed introversion.’ The protagonist of Barry Hall’s Damnation goes to considerable lengths to secure hers.

Judith (Sarah Brooks), taking a page from Paul Gaugin, maintains a patch of quietude for herself in a time zone far east of the media centres she once inhabited. Lush paintings and line drawings flourish in her studio hideaway. She keeps to her routines—but, like her biblical namesake, she is ready with a sword any time it seems the barbarians may be at the gate.

The horde arrives in the form of a single herald: Alex (Erin Adele Clark). A worshipful scholar, she has tracked down Judith with the goal of penning a biography. She reminds Judith of her stature in the art world and reveals that two decades of self-imposed exile have only deepened others’ desire to know more about her. Alex wants interviews, Judith craves solitude. The historian, in love with her subject and on fire with inspiration, will not be denied—as Judith, who knows something about both, recognises. Her paradise now breached, Judith takes one last stab at being understood.

Sarah Brooks presents a compelling figure on stage, portraying the turbulence of light and shade in her character as she weighs choices. Erin Adele Clark gives an intense performance as an awed but irrepressible Valkyrie.

TEXT: ALTON BEAUNE IMAGES: TOBIE OPENSHAW

Nicholas Thurkettle: The Rothko (2016)

A comedy by California’s Nicholas Thurkettle gives us the play most concerned with art itself. Its dialogues touch on questions about value, aesthetics, mercantile, cultural and personal standards, and the best environments for experiencing art. Is it possible to extend UNESCO-type protections to more recent art, what is the role of the irrational in our responses to art. In the process, we get an informative peek behind the scenes at the inner life of art museums. If all this sounds dry, rest assured it is anything but. More on that in a moment.

Ours is a time in which many who frown at the thought of library censorship nevertheless find it amusing to imagine the destruction of visual art. A running gag that began on social media with a naïve parishioner’s wreck of a church fresco, a street artist’s shredding of his work after auction, and a wag’s proposal to ‘eat the Mona Lisa’ is today being run with increasing verisimilitude. A widely viewed movie now shows its leads burning Leonardo’s Gioconda as a punch line, as the latest arrest of activists in Europe is for defacing a Claude Monet garden in the name of conservation. Will the winds of fashion shift before acting out moves further toward the literal? Let’s hope so. Until then, let’s at least have it said: To destroy books and to destroy visual art is essentially the same act.

I was wary, then, when told I was in for an impish comedy about someone who damages art. Despite this, ‘The Rothko’ won me over. The play acknowledges popular stereotypes about ‘the art world’ and goes beyond them to illuminate a way forward. And the ride is a lot of fun.

A uniformed security guard (Gary Edward Gitchel) introduces us to the play as if we were a tour group entering a gallery.

A museumgoer, played winningly by Charlie Storrar, has kicked a hole in a Mark Rothko painting. Though outrageous, his act springs from a sincere aesthetic response: he finds the colour ugly. He embodies John Ruskin’s ideal of ‘the innocent eye’—and now sits detained by security.

The museum director (Sharon Landon) enters, understandably seething, to impress upon the man the magnitude of his transgression. This proves to be tough. Her concerns range over a variety of priorities that he challenges with questions, while his single-minded focus on the aesthetic and the personal puts coherence on his side. He ends up making a surprisingly persuasive case for kicking art that we don’t like. The imp in all of us laughs. Even if we like Rothko.

An interlude has him asking the security guard about a typical day at the museum. The guard describes the variety of ways he has seen museum visitors interact with the art. Love, he suggests, is the problem: it makes people do irrational things. The guard professes only a detached interest in art himself. He’s just a blue-uniformed Everyman… who sports a pink wristwatch.

The museum curator (Yi-Show Lin) arrives in a state of grief. She is kind to the detainee but informs him without exaggeration that this is the saddest day of her life. In answer to his questions, she describes what art restorers do—the training and painstaking labour put into every work, so that all may have a safe and comfortable place to explore their own responses to art. He begins to see the problem.

Gary Edward Gitchel is a natural, convincing presence as the golf-loving security guard. Sharon Landon is everything you want in a wrathful avenger who has been handed far too many headaches in one day. Yi-Show Lin’s heartfelt performance offers a big valentine to all those who work behind the scenes every day to give us nice things. Charlie Storrar’s sparkling performance is the energy driving the whole. He owns this role down to the sneakers.

Murray Schisgal: The Artist and the Model (1992)

Brooklyn native Murray Schisgal (1926–2020) brought aspects of post-WW2 absurdism (Samuel Beckett, Eugène Ionesco) into the vaudeville world of New York’s immigrant Jewish community. Best known for his Broadway play Luv (1964) and his contributions to the screenplay for Tootsie (1982), Mr Schisgal counted Eli Wallach, Ann Jackson, Alan Arkin and Dustin Hoffman among his lifelong collaborators.

The Artist and the Model presents two characters, one of whom never speaks. Schisgal’s precedents here were ‘The Grand Inquisitor’ (Fyodor Dostoevsky The Brothers Karamozov, 1879) and The Stronger (play by August Strindberg, 1881). As in both earlier works, the silent character is the target of accusation.

A young model (Lizzy Mew) arrives late to an artist’s studio in New York. She hurriedly disrobes and strikes a pose, but the artist (D C Rapier) is fuming. He launches into an extended diatribe that will sound familiar enough to anyone who has ever shared a bus with someone ranting about ‘young people nowadays.’ In the process the artist seems torn between his lifelong pursuit of beauty and the impulse to kick his own Rothko.

The model, meanwhile, says nothing. She’s like an audience, in a way.

But so is he. The artist demands a certain performance for the money paid out. Under the acid rain of barked orders, generational putdowns, and involuntary memories, something of a three-part structure takes form—a sonata in prose with a surprisingly lyrical centre. The theme has something to do with the pursuit of beauty and the possession of it, and the chasm between the two. Perhaps it is telling that Mr Schisgal described his own work as never done, each new play starting out as an attempt to ‘explain the last one.’

Lizzy Mew achieves the seemingly impossible, projecting a proud inner stature even as her character maintains her studied inscrutability. D C Rapier gives a brilliant portrayal of a character lunging through all the turmoil of his first crush, even if it’s the thousandth time he has experienced it.

The time arrives for the model to have her say. What happens invites more than one interpretation, but there’s no mistaking a trace of grace.

Damnation (2023)

Judith Stein Sarah Brooks

Alex Green Erin Adele Clark

The Rothko (2016)

Man Charlie Storrar

Museum Director Sharon Landon

Curator Yi-Show Lin

Security Guard Gary Edward Gitchel

The Artist and the Model (1992)

Artist D C Rapier

Model Lizzy Mew

Barry Hall has directed Dangerous Art with attention to the threads of correspondence. Across all three works, motifs recur, and images find repetition and reversal. This is theatre which shows what Thomas Carlyle called ‘an infinite capacity for taking pains.’

And here we are at the end of the review, with so much about art left to explore. We’re unlikely to settle every mystery for ourselves—but isn’t it nice to have theatre that sparks the questions?

Elsewhere, thank you. More, please.

Elsewhere Theater Company

https://www.facebook.com/etcproductions

A T Beaune is a writer, filmmaker, actor, and musician. He has resided in Taiwan since 2004.

IMDb imdb.me/atbeaune

Links linktr.ee/atbeaune

Journals

7/26 | Setting sail for the first time

Howard

by two Tribal

Canoe Journeys Indigenous Youth Ambassadors

A delegation of Taiwanese Indigenous people traveled to the USA to take part in the annual Tribal Canoe Journeys with the Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest. These two youth ambassadors experienced the canoe culture and the hospitality of different host nations.

On the morning of July 25th, we eagerly arose at 4 a.m. with a twofold purpose: to witness the captivating spectacle of canoe sailing and to make necessary preparations in case we had an opportunity to partake in canoe pulling ourselves. The beach of Lower Elwha was adorned with approximately 25-27 canoes, each waiting for its journey to commence. Prior to their departure, an invigorating scene unfolded, as people gathered around, chanting to the rhythm of drums, encouraging the paddlers for the day's adventure.

Having immersed ourselves in the enthralling display of canoeing, it was eventually time for us to bid farewell to the scene and embark on our own journey. With our tents to be packed and our spirits still filled with excitement, we set off towards our next destination, Jamestown S’klallam, where we anticipated witnessing the canoes' graceful landings.

En route to Jamestown S’klallam, the roadside treated us to an enchanting sight - an abundance of lavender, its vibrant hues casting a picturesque aura all around.

As we continued our expedition, we cherished the memories of the morning's canoeing spectacle and eagerly looked forward to what awaited us at Jamestown S’klallam.

I will never forget the moment we arrived at the Nisqually camp, when someone called out from outside the tent at four o'clock in the morning: "Paddlers, wake up!" The first thought that crossed my mind was, "How amazing! As if they were meant

TEXT: CORYANNE AND HOWARD IMAGES: HOWARD

to accomplish something great. Even though I wasn't a paddler back then, I was eager to witness their journey unfold. Every experience of the journey has been etched indelibly into my memory. Canoe journeys, being grand undertakings focused on tracing roots, naturally draw in a multitude of enthusiasts and interested individuals. Along the way, I encountered numerous culture enthusiasts who joined us. This makes me proud, not only as a Taiwanese, but also as a Taiwan indigenous. Through this journey, I acquired a heightened reverence for our elders, a deeper understanding of the significance of culture, and insights into the essence of humanity. After the journey concluded, I felt immensely honored to become a paddler. Lastly, I want to thank Gary for driving and pushing us to many occasions, so that people can better know Taiwan, Orchid Island and our culture.

Watch Han Cheung’s Interview of Indigenous Bridges Youth Ambassador Howard of the Tao Peoples https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcM2pxeNRho

Howard 王浩 (Si Mateneng) - Tao People

Ambassador at Indigenous Bridges - ATAYAL

Tao, located on the southeastern coast of Taiwan, is a maritime Indigenous nation. In the future, I hope to bring my culture to more people around the world and connect with the world, and also not to be forgotten on the international map of the world.

Coryanne

On the day of my first pull, my phone got soaked and stopped working. Finally, my phone was fixed yesterday, and thankfully, all the precious photos from this journey are still there.

2023/07/25 - 2023/07/26

We joined the Chehalis canoe family, and we all gathered in one circle that night. It was clear how much this journey meant to everyone. The elders shared their wisdom and past experiences, telling us young folks, who were going to paddle the next day that, we should not rely on others for water and food – we had to prepare everything ourselves.

They encouraged us to speak up, if anyone felt uncomfortable during the journey, and paddlers would switch places to ensure everyone's wellbeing. Guess what? There was this funny rule that if someone accidentally said "the B word," they had to jump into the water! Imagine the laughs when one girl accidentally said that!

Waking up at 4 am the next day was a bit tough, but the excitement kept me going. We met the crew, and I joined the support boat crew, while Howard joined the paddlers. On our way to the support boat, we saw

My second pull

Visiting Burke Museum and seeing a Tao canoe on exhibit.

7/30 |

Landing at Alki Beach

a family of seals, which was such a cool surprise!

“Support boat ain’t support.”

Finally, it took us 2 hours to locate our canoe. They had already landed on one of the beaches along the way and were waiting for us to give them lunch to eat, LOL. After a quick lunch, I joined them on the canoe and began my first pull.

“Guys, you’re pulling for those who cannot make it on the journey, another 30 for them!”

“1! 2! 3! 4! 5! 6! … 30!”

(The canoe moves faster.)

“Hey, let's pull another 50 for those who have cancer!”

“1! 2! 3! 4! 5! 6! … 50!”

As I pulled for the first time and paddled my heart out with the crew of the canoe family, I realized this journey was about more than just canoeing. It was about youth and elders paddling together, discovering their roots, and honoring those who came before us.

After two hours (four hours for Howard) of pulling, we finally reached Port Townsend beach. Tired but excited, we humbly asked the tribe for permission to come ashore. Due to the Chehalis canoe family tradition, Howard and I had to jump into the water as well, since this was our first pull. So, we all jumped in, along with the girl who had accidentally called out the dreaded B word, the day before, and called the canoe a BOAT! It was a chilly but unforgettable moment.

This journey is showing me the power of unity, the joy of laughter, and the richness of traditions. It's an incredible adventure that is leaving me grateful and inspired. Can't wait to share more stories soon!

Watch Han Cheung’s Interview of Indigenous Bridges Youth Ambassador Corayne (Saisiat) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGM58wRmmr4

Ambassador at Indigenous Bridges - ATAYAL

So’o kayzaeh ay! My name is A-way (ah-wai) Maya Titiyon and my mother is from the Saisiyat People. Our language has become endangered, with only about 1000 fullyfluent speakers. I believe that one day I should become someone who brings the hearts of the Austronesians closer together by carrying our Taiwanese indigenous culture forward to the international stage.

Mid-Autumn Festival

Friday, September 29, 2023

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, which usually falls in September or October.

This is a time to slow down, relax, and enjoy the company of family and friends. It is a time to give thanks for the harvest and to celebrate the blessings of the past year. Mooncakes, round pastries filled with sweet or savory ingredients, are presented as gifts to relatives and friends, and they symbolize the full moon and the reunion of loved ones. Hanging and lighting lanterns, moon gazing, playing games, and writing riddles are some of the many activities during this festival.

The custom of the Mid-Autumn Festival is believed to have originated in China over 3,000 years ago. To celebrate the end of the autumn harvest, and to thank the gods for a bountiful crop. The full moon is seen as a symbol of prosperity and good luck.

Coryanne (A-way Maya Titiyon) - Saisiyat People

Kate, Gary Smoke, Si Mateneng (Howard), A-way Maya Titiyon (Coryanne), Chieni

Lutetia ART-at-TAC Ceramics

In September 2023, ART-at-TAC is excited to present a group exhibition of ceramic paintings by artists from the Jialu Ceramics Cultural and Educational Foundation (嘉祿陶藝文教基金會). Curated by one of the exhibiting artists Elaine Wu (Liang Ying Wu 吳亮瑩), this exhibition includes ceramic paintings by six other artists: Shu Ying Fu (傅淑英), Xiao Ling Qiu (邱小玲) , Judy Wu (吳采瑩), Emily Tsao, Limei Mei Chen (陳麗美); and Yu Zhen Yang (楊玉貞). These artists have been learning and working together at the Foundation’s studio, bonding over the unpredictability and frustrations that are an inevitable part of working with pottery. They celebrate one another’s successes; and commiserate at every breakage and failed colour after firing.

Jialu Ceramics Cultural and Educational Foundation was established in 1990 by the staff of Tatung Chinaware, to commemorate the company’s founder Mr Liao Changgeng. Mr Liao and his team successfully made Taiwan’s first mass-produced porcelain ware in 1963 as ceramics in Taiwan had been either foreign imports or locally produced earthenware.

Today, the foundation operates a studio for artists to continue exploring this medium. Essentially decorative, the works included in this exhibition represent a variety of painting traditions, from Western realism to oriental decorative painting. Often inspired by nature, the artists straddle the line between art and function as they elevate commonplace ceramic items with their creativity.

TEXT: JESSICA WANG SIMULA IMAGES: JIALU CERAMICS CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

The ceramic painting process requires meticulous attention to detail and control - of brushstrokes, intensity of the ink, and negative space. Textures are created with dexterous brushstrokes and sgraffito (scratching away coloured surfaces to reveal the white material underneath). The irony is that despite all the control, there is never any certainty as to how the finished work will look after firing and glazing. The frisson between control and the lack of it seems to be embodied by the fragility of the medium itself. Hand painted ceramic plates remind us of the beauty of this forgotten craft in the age of mass production.

The exhibition opens on Friday, September 1 and will be on show throughout September at Lutetia Cafe TAC store (751 Wenlin Road, Shilin District). On September 1 there will be an opening event, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, when artists will be present to discuss their work. All are welcome.

ART-at-TAC continues the artistic season with monthly exhibitions for 2023. In September we present a group show of ceramic paintings by Taiwanese artists based in Taipei. Opening in October is the solo exhibition of joyful paintings by Qingqing Li, titled Dancing and Thinking with My Brush. All art sales at ARTat-TAC are commission-free. 10% of the proceeds of all art sales goes to charities of the artist’s choice. The opening events are a space for people to meet and enjoy art; everyone is welcome. Follow our Instagram https:// www.instagram.com/lutetiaartattac/ for the latest news and links to artists.

Jessica Wang Simula was born in Taiwan but has lived in six different countries since adolescence before relocating back to Taiwan with her family over three years ago. Having worked in the arts in Shanghai and London, she is interested in how the arts can start new conversations, build communities and connect people.

World” is a collection of 50 1/1 portraits inspired by the gifts of spring - the abundant, pastel-perfect, delicate beauty the world offers us.

To me, abstract portraits on the blockchain are part self-constructed identities, anchored within the liminal digital and physical realms of realities. This collection seeks to reaffirm the graceful and moldable nature of identities, meanwhile embracing the playfulness of gacha games that are popular among NFT collections.

“ In Love With The

Red Room Rendezvous: https://www.facebook.com/r3.taipei

Emergency Preparedness in Taiwan “Bug In, Bug Out, or Bu**er Off” Part

v(This is an excerpt from the book EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS IN TAIWAN which is currently in production and will be available later this year. Here, the authors have given us some useful tips for preparing for an emergency.)

Last month, we talked about how to make the decision whether to shelter in place or to “bug out” – relocate to a safer location. This month, we take a look at a few things you need to consider if the decision is to leave the country.

Plans for evacuating back to your home country, or another, neutral location, is much better made well in advance. Leaving when the going’s good – rising tensions, but flights are still operating and people are not in panic mode yet – is obviously the best option.

Be aware that a last-ditch military evacuation should be your LAST resort. Besides the drama and panic that might be accompanied by, the word is that Uncle Sam might well send you a hefty bill if you ignored advice to get out under your own steam.

HEED GOVERNMENT WARNINGS TO EVACUATE

Evacuation to Home Country

● Takeover/collapse seems imminent

● Evacuation means/transportation is available

● Airport can be reached reasonably safely

● Westerners are specifically targeted

If airport is operating, access roads are open, and evacuation flights are arriving/leaving:

● Prepare the GPS location of your house and 1 or two alternative pickup points

● Join LINE/Signal groups for info

● Keep passport and cash on your person at all times

● Gather family/fellow evacuees

● Communicate with family in home country

● Communicate with home country representatives in Taiwan

● Convert everything possible to cash.

● Sell car & arrange to leave at airport with keys, or use it to barter safe passage

● Distribute cash amongst family members in case of being separated/robbed

● Keep comms open – cellphone, FM radio, walkie-talkie

● Destroy personal/sensitive documents

● LEAVE every “thing” that can be replaced (and that’s EVERYTHING).

● Give house keys to someone or consider storing valuables with people who are staying and can forward on to you – but remember everyone is under stress

● Carry a hard drive/USB with personal ID docs and photos, also in cloud-based storage.

● Deal with pets. Almost 100% Fluffy cannot fly with you if you leave it to the last minute.

● Figure out safe route, get to airport and be prepared to wait till a flight arrives

● Prepare the GPS location of your house and 1 or two alternative pickup points.

Pack ONE backpack per person

● Wallet: ID/Passport/Credit cards/Cash

● Phone

● Meds specific to any condition you may have

● Vest with pockets

● Warm clothes

● Scarf

● Hat

● Sunscreen/ Lip balm

● Sunglasses

● Insect cream/ repellant

● Phone charger + cable + power bank/s

● Pen/Notebook

● Masks

● Lighter

● Change of socks/ underwear x 2

● Feminine hygiene

● Toilet tissue/WetWipes

● Travel toiletries kit:

● Toothbrush, soap, shampoo, small towel

● Water bottle/filter

● High-calorie snacks (chocolate nuts, trail mix, biscuits, fruit, crackers.)

● Meds General (Diarrhea, antacid, pain/ fever, vitamins, motion sickness, Band-aids)

● Blowup pillow/eye mask

● Book to read/Kindle/Tablet

● Small Umbrella

● Ziploc bags

TEXT: TOBIE OPENSHAW WITH JOHN GROOT IMAGE: WEB IMAGE

WARNING SIGNS ARE MOUNTING” PREP:

TO DO

Call family/trusted group together and strategize

Purchase flight tickets if evacuating - before prices go through the roof

Arrange visas as required for countries other than your passport country

Activate SATPhone if you have one

Charge ALL devices to capacity.

Update personal documents on USB and on OneDrive

Maintenance on car

Bicycle rack on car

Roof carrier on car

Repack all bags/bins & make inventory

Take stuff to bug-out spot and store (in watertight/airtight containers)

Stock up cash

Arrange automatic payments of cellphone etc.

Make sure credit cards are paid. Compile and share first aid/trauma kits with loved ones.

Share comms devices

Stay up to date on reliable news sources

Activate group chat on secure channel like SIGNAL or Telegram.

TO BUY

Food and necessities supply for 3 months

Additional medical supplies

Gasoline

Camping gas

Potable water

Toilet paper

MILITARY ATTACK

This is the “big dog” of disaster scenarios, and people have widely varying views on whether it will happen and what it will look like if it does.

Let us look at four possible forms of attack and their implications.

Blockade

If Taiwan is placed under a naval and aerial blockade, no ships or aircraft could enter or leave the island without permission from the PLA. Business operations would be affected. Common goods such as food, medicines, gas, and household items would see supply restricted. Together with panic buying, that would mean shortages. However, it is LIKELY that at such a time, FOREIGNER WILL BE ALLOWED TO FLY OUT. It is in fact in the enemy’s interest to get foreign nationals and noncombatants out of the way.

Strategic Strikes

Ballistic and cruise missile attacks, as well as electromagnetic weapon attacks, on military, government, communications, utilities, and transportation infrastructure would cause widespread destruction, building collapses, fires – and multiple casualties.

Information Warfare

During a military attack, the enemy could also use misinformation attacks - “weaponized fake news” - aimed at causing confusion or panic. These could involve social media, radio, and Internet messages and broadcasts.

Full Invasion

A full invasion would see battles being fought on the island of Taiwan, as amphibious and airborne PLA troops intended to secure beachheads to begin transferring the 100s of thousands of soldiers and support personnel required to occupy the island. The attack would come in waves: first strategic strikes, then a campaign to achieve air superiority, followed by an actual invasion. There would be sabotage operations taking place in Taiwan, as well as a global propaganda and fake news campaign. This scenario could see fierce battles with high rates of damage to people and property. Many places around the island would be intensely unsafe from deliberate and accidental use of weapons. Basic services could be reduced to zero for weeks or even months if the battles raged on.

(Tune in next month for some EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLANS)

Tobie Openshaw is a South African documentary filmmaker/photographer based in Taipei. He experienced the 9/21 earthquake of 1999 and produced eyewitness reports on disasters such as Typhoons Morakot and Soudelor, and the Tainan apartment building collapse of 2016. He is a founder of the “Taiwan Disaster Preparedness/Bug Out Group” on Facebook.

Aim for Success, Not Perfection

Aperson walked into a job interview and at some point in the process, the interviewer asked one of the most common and most dreaded questions, “What is your greatest weakness?” The person responded, “I’m a perfectionist. I work too hard.” Obviously, every interviewer everywhere has heard this answer before. It’s now considered by many to be a cliché or a disingenuous answer. But what if this is not a cliché for you; what if that’s really your reality?

Most people have an idea about perfectionism, but in truth, it is an elusive concept not so easily described. When someone says to you, “You are such a perfectionist.” Are you supposed to feel flattered or insulted by this comment? Is someone saying that you have high standards, are diligent, or are a person driven to excel? Perhaps they think that you are rigid, unrealistic and self-defeating? One thing’s for sure: the intention of most perfectionists is to do things well and to excel. It is a valuable attribution that many people take pride in. Which is why if you talk with someone who is a perfectionist about changing the way they approach

something, somehow your words may get translated into, “Lower the bar and be average.” This is something that no perfectionist would like to hear.

Many people would consider having high standards a good thing. In fact, I have had people say to me, “I need perfectionism to be successful! It is what got me to where I am today.”

But being a high achiever doesn’t mean you have to constantly tear yourself apart and suffer through the process. The hallmark of perfectionism is not a guaranteed success, but rather a highly critical inner voice that is fear-based. The difference between healthy achievers and perfectionists lies not in the goals they set (both have high standards), but in the expectation they have about the process of achieving them.

For example, both Bill and Jared have the same ambition. But in Bill’s mind, what should happen is a direct, smooth and straight-line process that leads to the desired outcome. Any perceived roadblock or unexpected deviation stresses him out and is paralyzing. Jared approaches his goal with a realistic mindset; progress to him is more like an irregular upward spiral. He tries

to make the most out of challenges, especially when he asks himself, “Okay, what is this teaching me?” “What do I know now that can help me to get to the next stage?” Information he gains from experience is used as feedback to formulate better strategies. He gets energized from this creative process and derives meaning from finding solutions to obstacles.

But to the perfectionist, the outcome is the only thing that matters. He views stumbles and unexpected changes as nothing but unnecessary defeats that should have been prevented in the first place (which he later uses to criticize himself). In a nutshell, the perfectionist merely endures through the process before the outcome, and regards mistakes with high defensiveness. He is more stressed and experiences fleeting satisfaction only at the end. It is no wonder why perfectionism and burnout often go hand in hand.

To many perfectionists’ dismay, their strong desire to avoid failures and to be flawless can backfire on them; they have a hard time starting things and an even harder time finishing them (or if they finish them, the final work never sees the light of day, as they don’t show it to anyone).

At the heart of perfectionism is the negative attitude towards making mistakes. Perfectionists at large believe mistakes would be construed as weaknesses and they would be negatively evaluated and unfavorably judged by others when they happen. So when they think they aren’t good enough at something, they are less inclined to do it.

Self-directed achievers approach their goals with a personal focus and vision; their motivation is primarily driven by self-fulfillment. Perfectionists, on the other hand, tend to be pushed towards their goals by a fear of disappointing others. This fearbased orientation can morph into performance anxiety where a person feels stiff, defensive, and vulnerable before a situation (such as taking an exam, speaking in public, or managing a project) and his mind goes blank.

Like most personality traits, perfectionism doesn’t exist as an all-ornothing category. Rather, perfectionism exists along a continuum. Most of us

TEXT: KATHERINE CHANG IMAGES: WEB IMAGES

find ourselves either more resilient or more vulnerable to its effects during different times of our lives. Sometimes we approach our goals out of fear, other times it is the dream and passion that drive us to reach our personal best.

If next time you find yourself procrastinating at a set goal, do a little self-check to see what is preoccupying you. If it’s fear, try to change that critical, condemning and

shame-inducing voice inside your head and treat yourself as a friend or a coach might, with kindness and support. Imagine the positive benefits of completing the goal instead of ruminating on the consequences of not completing it – since that would only make you feel more awful and procrastinate more. See a challenge as an opportunity to grow and derive your own personal meaning from it.

In the face of setbacks, keep your mind focused on problem solving; if one option doesn’t work, try another, shift strategies. You may think, “What is one small step I could take toward reaching my goal?” or, “If I were guaranteed not to fail, what would I be doing differently?” Find creative ways to make the process enjoyable to you. Having high standards and striving to achieve is a valuable attribute. And there are ways to put the high standards to work for you, not against you.

Katherine Chang is a licensed counselor both in the United States and Taiwan, and enjoys working with kids and individuals of various cultural backgrounds. In summer, she likes hiking and backpacking both in Taiwan and abroad.