NTNU Shines at Edinburgh Fringe with Acclaimed Original Works
The NTNU Graduate Institute of Performing Arts drew international acclaim this August at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, presenting two original works: Formosa Viva and Echoes of the Ghost Lake; bringing Taiwan’s layered cultural identity to one of the world’s most prestigious performing arts platforms.
Formosa Viva, a vivid dance theatre work, was conceived by Professor Kang-Kuo Ho and choreographed by Professor I-Fang Wu. Featuring six dancers, the piece traced 500 years of Taiwanese history, weaving together music, movement, and visual storytelling. The production stood out for its emotional resonance and historical depth, earning praise from critics and audiences alike.
The Scotsman described it as “thought-provoking,” noting how moments of stillness came vividly to life. The review praised the work’s ability to engage audiences in a reflective journey through Taiwan’s past.
Meanwhile, the arts review site Broadway Baby commended the piece for “giving voice to a nation failing to be recognised to the extent it deserves on the global stage.” Audience members echoed this praise, calling the show a moving and skillful portrayal of Taiwan’s conflicted history.
NTNU’s second offering, Echoes of the Ghost Lake, marked a foray into original English-language musical theatre. Created entirely by NTNU students, the production explored themes of colonialism, tradition, and the impact of modern technology. With a minimalist set and only three performers, the show was lauded for its intimate intensity. In its review, Scottish Field highlighted the cast’s ability to “transport the audience” and commended the production’s capacity to immerse viewers in a world shaped by conflicting beliefs and newfound friendship.
Both performances were part of a broader academic and cultural exchange initiative led by Professors Chi-Ming Liang and Kang-Kuo Ho. During their stay, NTNU’s delegation met with senior members of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, gaining firsthand insights into the operational structure and artistic networks of the world’s largest arts festival. This engagement provided students with a rare, immersive experience into the global performing arts landscape.
The trip was supported by the NTNU Office of International Affairs, the Emane Wu Scholarship, the Ministry of Education’s Taiwan Scholarship Program, and the Advantech Culture and Education Foundation. The ensemble featured a cross-disciplinary team of faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates from the Graduate Institute and the Department of Performing Arts, demonstrating NTNU’s commitment to internationalization through artistic practice.
NTNU’s presence at Edinburgh not only spotlighted the vitality of Taiwan’s cultural narratives but also underscored the university’s role in fostering creative diplomacy. Through movement, music, and voice, these performances redefined the contours of Taiwan’s cultural identity, offering global audiences a rare glimpse into a nation still writing its place in the world.
https://www.scottishfield.co.uk/culture/fringe-reviews-dance-and-theatre/
https://theatreweekly.com/edinburgh-fringe-review-formosa-viva-at-the-studio-paradise-green/