The Silk Road Reimagined Across Time: Asia-Pacific Traditional Arts Festival Invites Performers from Multiple Countries

By MOOK Travel & Living / Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

The 11th Asia-Pacific Traditional Arts Festival begins today at the NTCRI Cultural Park in Yilan, with this year’s theme, “Traversing Time & Space ‘FUN’ the Silk Road,” turning its focus toward Central and West Asian regions. The nine-day festival has invited nearly 60 artists from five countries—Iran, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and India—to engage in cultural exchange in Taiwan. Performing troupes will appear in two phases: Phase one (Oct 6–9) features Iran’s Sabā National Orchestra and Uzbekistan’s National Folk Music and Dance Ensemble. Phase two (Oct 10–14) includes Kazakhstan’s Turan National Orchestra, Turkey’s Bursa Folk Music and Dance Ensemble, and India’s Nrityagram Dance Ensemble.

From October 6 to 14, the NTCRI Cultural Park will host up to 41 music and dance performances. In addition to the aforementioned Central and West Asian troupes, eight Taiwanese groups have also been programmed around the theme of “Silk Road Civilization,” showcasing their reinterpretations and explorations of Central and West Asian cultural heritage. Beyond performing arts, the festival also features Silk Road craft demonstration sessions, where Taiwanese artisans with similar skill sets will be stationed on-site to demonstrate their crafts. These include: “Taiwanese Calligraphy & Painting vs. Iranian Islamic Calligraphy,” “Taiwanese Net Embroidery vs. Uzbek Embroidery Art,” “Taiwanese Fiber Weaving vs. Kazakh Felt Weaving,” and “Taiwanese Printmaking vs. Turkish Ebru (Marbling).”

During the festival, the Tradition Street at the NTCRI Cultural Park will be transformed into a Silk Road caravan stop, selling handicrafts from Central and West Asia such as lacquerware, woven goods, wood carvings, glass beads, silver jewelry, and leather accessories. On October 10, National Day, the event will also feature Silk Road delicacies including Iranian flatbreads, Indian naan, milk tea, and Turkish ice cream. Moreover, all individuals born on National Day are invited to visit for free on that day. For more details, please visit the NTCRI official website: www.ncfta.gov.tw.

● Extended Reading: “Black Soil Earth” Art Exhibition — A First Complete Presentation of Russian Masterpieces in Southern Taiwan

http://goo.gl/7rT7t