“We TAIWAN,” the Ministry of Culture’s (MOC) cultural program for the Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan, concluded on Aug. 20. Following this, nine performing arts groups are presenting the final performance, “A Ritual of Gratitude Before the Temple,” from Aug. 26 to 28 at the Pop-Up Stage North, Yumeshima—one of the main venues for the Expo 2025.
Directed by artistic director Tu Shih-hue (杜思慧) and music director Juo Shr-yau (卓士堯), “A Ritual of Gratitude Before the Temple” is presented in six parts. The opening segment, “Ritual of Blessings: A Traditional Puppet Show” by Shinergy Puppet Show, features Ban Xian Xi (扮仙戲), a traditional Taiwanese god-inviting ritual.
Other segments include: “Great Lord Parade: Divine Generals Guarding the Island” by Uni Percussion and Piànn-tiûnn; “A Blessing from the Ancients: A Tribute to Heaven and Earth” by SANGPUY and Puzangalan Children’s Choir; “Orchestrated by Fate: Puah-Pue” by wenshyangdance; “The Words We Speak: A Mother’s Voice” by Chang Ya-chun, Hsieh Ming-yu, and Chiu Shu; and “The Grand Harmony of Sound: Dancing to the Same Song” by all performers.
Deputy Minister of Culture Sue Wang (王時思) remarked that while Taiwan’s showcases at Expo 2025 Osaka’s Tech World pavilion highlighted the nation’s technological advancements, the performance at Yumeshima seeks to emphasize humanitarian values safeguarded by technology and the hope for a better future.
“A Ritual of Gratitude Before the Temple” will be livestreamed on MOC’s Facebook page from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Taiwan time) on Aug. 27 and 28.
For more information, visit the program’s official website, follow the program on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, and add the official LINE account.
