Award-Winning Taipei Folk Dance Theater to Perform at Brookhaven National Laboratory
April 27, 2006
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Award-Winning Taipei Folk Dance Theater to Perform at Brookhaven National Laboratory
Taiwanese troupe to make rare appearance on Long Island.
Brookhaven, NY April 27, 2006 — The Taipei Folk Dance Theater, one of the most engaging dance companies in Taiwan, will be coming to the Berkner Hall Auditorium at Brookhaven National Laboratory on May 19th at 7:30 PM for a one time only performance. The troupe’s appearance is part of a cultural exchange program to celebrate both the Taiwanese-American Heritage Week and the Asian-Pacific Heritage Month.
“We are so fortunate to have these magnificent performers join us on Long Island,” says Stella Shieh, organizer of the event. “Their production is very unique. It incorporates traditional folk artistry with present day theatrical techniques. The costumes, the movement, and the music make for a stunning presentation.”
The company was founded in 1988 to promote as well as preserve Taiwan’s varied dance heritage, including that from the island’s aborigine tribes. The movement and music have been meticulously researched to preserve its ethnic characteristics. Since its founding, the Taipei Folk Dance Theater has given over 600 performances in more than 40 countries throughout Asia, the Americas, Europe and Africa.
The troupe owes its sponsorship to several organizations. The Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, along with the Taiwanese-American Association on LI played a major role in bringing the dancers into the US and the NY Metro area specifically. They are performing in Brookhaven as guests of BERA (Brookhaven Employees Recreational Association) Asian-Pacific American Association and BERA Social and Cultural Club. The Suffolk County Office of Minority Affairs under the direction of Edwin Perez, is also sponsoring the event.
While the performance begins at 7:30 PM, there will be a reception and an opportunity to view an exhibit from Taiwan that will begin at 6:30. Brookhaven National Laboratory is located in Upton, Suffolk County, exit 68 on the LI Expressway. General Admission is $10, $5 for children under 12 and students with ID. A Photo ID is required for admission onto the Brookhaven grounds. Tickets should be purchased prior to the event. Make checks payable to TAALI, and mail to 5 Applecross Lane, E. Setauket, NY 11733. Tickets can be picked up at the box office on the day of the performance. For more information, contact Stella Shieh at 631.543.5768.