Stage Manager
Ms. Liu, Jia-yi, with her professional background from TNUA, has been deeply rooted in Changhua since 2017. In Pingpengcao Theatre's production of One Thousand and Two Nights, she serves as both Director and Stage Manager. Below is our interview record.
Professional Homecoming: Lighting the Artistic Spark in Our Hometown
During our interview, we learned that Ms. Liu, Jia-yi, with her professional background from TNUA, has been deeply rooted in Changhua since 2017. For us students, the coolest part is seeing professional theater techniques blended with local emotions, turning children's plays into high-quality and accessible artistic feasts.
Stage Manager: The "Navigator" Leading the Team Forward
In the production of "The 1002nd Night," Ms. Liu serves as both Director and Stage Manager. She told us that the Stage Manager coordinates all design and performance techniques, acting like a "navigator" who guides everyone in the right direction. She emphasized that this requires a wealth of imagination, as a theater starts completely empty and must be transformed into mountains and castles.
Core Spirit: A Life Adventure on Stage
Ms. Liu says that theater is an adventure in life education. In "The 1002nd Night," she focuses on family, identity, and tolerance. She hopes the play guides people to choose understanding over prejudice, transforming serious life lessons into warm and profound dialogues on stage.
Behind the Scenes: Overcoming Challenges with a "Human Touch"
Ms. Liu shared that the biggest challenge was adapting an animated script for a physical stage, which required intense brainstorming. Instead of expensive automated equipment, they chose to use manual labor to operate stage mechanisms. While exhausting, this approach fills the theater with a warm "human touch"—an enchanting magic that technology can never replace.
Inspiration Through Collaboration: The Charisma of a Professional Artist
What impressed us most was Ms. Liu's leadership. Through her guidance, we witnessed how a professional stage artist methodically handles complex technical and artistic details. This spirit of professional collaboration shows us the infinite possibilities of art taking root in Changhua.
Local Culture: Performing Our Own Plays
Ms. Liu believes that being "local" is essential. Although resources may be limited, we should think about how to perform stories that belong to Taiwan and relate to our lives. She encouraged us by saying that as long as you have the passion to create, don't be afraid—keep moving forward.
Interviewing Director and Stage Manager
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