TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taipei Performing Arts Center will present a diverse slate of eight productions in the second half of the year.
The lineup offers a mix of Broadway rock musicals, experimental adaptations, children's theater, and original works developed in Taiwan. The center said in a press release that it aims to collaborate with artists to amplify Taiwan’s creative voice and bring a wide range of theatrical experiences to audiences of all ages and artistic preferences.
Among the international highlights is a Taiwan-adapted version of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show,” performed in English. Running from Dec. 19–21, this adaptation of Eric Carle’s best-selling picture books features 75 vibrantly designed puppets operated by three actors.
It brings to life “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?,” “10 Little Rubber Ducks,” and “The Very Busy Spider.” Tailored for children aged 2–7 and their families, the production offers a colorful introduction to live theater for young audiences.
Running from Aug. 30 to Sept. 7, “The Wedding Banquet: A New Musical” returns from Aug. 30 to Sept. 7 following its successful debut last year. Directed by Broadway’s Gordon Greenberg and based on Ang Lee’s (李安) Oscar-nominated film, the production explores identity, generational conflict, and cultural expectations through the story of an immigrant family, with a score blending pop, electronic, and Broadway styles.
Rock musical “Next to Normal” will take the stage from Dec. 19–21 with four performances. Addressing the emotional and psychological effects of bipolar disorder on a suburban family, the production uses a powerful rock score to highlight the realities of mental health struggles.
Alongside these international offerings, locally developed productions are a key part of this season’s lineup
“September Dreams,” running from Aug. 8–17, revisits Taiwan’s Sept. 21, 1999 earthquake. Through music and narrative, the production evokes intergenerational reflection on loss and resilience.
“Reed Unbroken,” running Nov. 22–30, blends supernatural romance with musical theater in an original work that explores themes of home, identity, and belonging, further showcasing the depth and range of Taiwan’s creative storytelling.
