Taiwan’s Formosa Circus Art (FOCA) is scheduled to stage performances of two shows Oct. 11-15 at the 2023 Melbourne Fringe, spotlighting the vibrancy of the country’s performing arts sector, according to the Ministry of Culture Oct. 4.

The troupe will present “Mr. III 三 III” and “Puzzle,” the MOC said. The former portrays office workers reclaiming joy after going through a juggling, music and acrobatic adventure, while the latter is a playful pop-up street performance featuring tumbles, twists and turns that invites audience interaction, the ministry added.

According to the MOC, Australia is a key member of the New Southbound Policy target countries and Melbourne is one of its cultural centers. With support from the ministry through the Fringe Focus Taiwan, outstanding artists from around the country have the opportunity to expand their audience and seek international cooperation opportunities as they show off their contemporary, cutting-edge and experimental work.

Established in 2011, Taipei City-based FOCA is Taiwan’s largest and most diverse full time circus ensemble. It combines contemporary circus arts with traditional local forms, acrobatics, street culture and theatre arts.

The annual Melbourne Fringe includes more than 450 events presented by emerging and independent artistic talent across various art forms. Since 1982, the festival has included in-theatre experiences and outdoor events, incorporating modern advances such as digital art and live streams as they arise.

A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP aims to deepen Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with Australia, New Zealand, the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states and six South Asian countries. (YCH-E)