The Diabolo Dance Theatre performs at Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation Building Oct. 10 in Makati, Philippines. (MOFA)
 

To promote cultural dialogue with countries encompassed by the New Southbound Policy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent the Taipei City-based Diabolo Dance Theatre to perform in the Philippines and Brunei in October.

According to the MOFA, the group performed highlights from their show “Light of Life” during a National Day event Oct. 9 organized by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines and was warmly received by the over 800 guests. The troupe gave two full performances over the following two days, both of which were critically acclaimed and widely reported by local major media, the ministry said.

The tour continued in Bandar Seri Begawan, capital of Brunei, where Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brunei Darussalam coordinated shows Oct. 21 and 22 at Jerudong International School. The ministry added that the group performed for over 1,500 guests, among them political figures, opinion leaders and ambassadors to Brunei from various countries.

The artists again showed off their skills Oct. 23 at a special education elementary school, conveying Taiwan’s concern for the local people. The performance was covered by local English, Malay, and Mandarin media, making the front page of the English-language version of the next day’s Borneo Bulletin, the MOFA added.

The troupe’s unique diabolo-handling techniques contribute to exciting shows that integrate Taiwan’s diverse culture, technology and visual arts. Their show “Light of Life” depicts the emergence of life and follows its quest for the brightest light through water, fire, earth and wind. (POC-E)