Search

Saved articles

You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!

Browse articles

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Formosa Viva

 
Alice Eaves Review by Alice Eaves 3 Published: 4 Aug 2025 Paradise in Augustines Show Dates: 1 Aug 2025-9 Aug 2025

A heartfelt exploration of Taiwan’s 500-year history, the intentions of Formosa Viva are deftly articulated by the exceptional dancers who bring this production to life. ‘Formosa’, meaning ‘beautiful island’, was a name first coined for the verdant island by Portuguese sailors who marvelled at the lush landscape. The name stuck and was commonly used in Western literature until the 20th century. In the context of this production, ‘Formosa’ references the complex history of Taiwan as it passes through time as a land of strategic geopolitical importance and colonial pursuit.

Has the potential to be an exceptional piece of performance art

The performance opens with the soundscape of crashing waves, and dim blue lights beam down on the ensemble dancers, who flow gently, arms wrapped around one another, mimicking the push and pull of the ocean that surrounds Taiwan. While delicate and thoughtfully rendered, it is a slow and methodical start that drags on slightly too long. From here, the piece quickly grows in pace and complexity. Split into a careful curation of energetic ensemble numbers and slower-paced solos, there has been obvious thought surrounding intention and narration through movement.

Unfortunately, the performance loses some of its merit through the overuse of a distracting visual display that detracts from the talent and effectiveness of the dancers. The stage features two large projection screens at the back. While I understood the motivation for adding visual cues for audience members unfamiliar with Taiwanese history, these were relied upon too heavily and lacked imaginative flair. The decision to present a moving written body of text to explain elements of Taiwan’s historical timeline was useful, but needed to be executed differently. I found myself spending a lot of time watching the screen above my head rather than the dancers, who should have been the focal point of my attention.

Formosa Viva has the potential to be an exceptional piece of performance art, and I applaud the ambitious nature of the cast and crew. While the piece does need some polishing, it is still worth seeing for the aptitude and commitment of the dancers. Likewise, it importantly gives voice to a nation failing to be recognised to the extent it deserves on the global stage.

Related to this article:

Location:

Performances

The Blurb:

Formosa Viva Dance Theater narrates Taiwan's 500-year history, spotlighting key historical events through 12 selected musical pieces. From indigenous cultures to Dutch, Ming, Qing and Japanese influences and the Republic of China's governance post-1949, it highlights the transition from martial law to democracy. The performance emphasises recent advances in gender equality and cultural diversity. This dynamic presentation vividly brings to life Taiwan's rich cultural evolution for the audience, showcasing its significant milestones and transformations over the centuries.