Visit Reflections
Hello everyone! We are the student team participating in the "International CyberFair". Over the past few months, we haven't just been conducting research; our team member Chen, Hsuan-yun even took on the challenge of playing multiple roles in Pingpengcao Troupe's 2025 grand production, 1002 Nights!
The most special part of this adventure is that while team members Chuang, Yung-hsiang and Chuang, Yung-ching focused on documentation and observation, their mother, Chen, Hsiao-ying, personally put on a costume and joined the performance. With their cousin Chen Ying-Zhi from the same school also playing a key role, we gained the ultimate "insider perspective," transforming from observers into part of the theater family.
Highlight 1 A "Cross-Generational" Magnificent Transformation
During our onsite observations at the rehearsals, we were amazed by the energy of the professional actors:
The Master of Disguise
Senior Ma, Jui-hung played three roles: "Papa Asu," "Wise Man Yade," and "Fat Bird Dan". He broke the traditional mold of a "steady" wise man, using a humorous and lively approach that successfully resonated with the audience.
The Comedy Lead
Senior Lin, Wei-hung played "Four-Eyes," transforming a character who felt insecure about being a foreigner into a hilarious and approachable figure.
Highlight 2 An "Arts Mobilization" of School and Family
To us, this performance felt more like a grand family gathering and a showcase of talent:
The Strongest Cousin "Lion King"
Cousin Chen Ying-Zhi took on the challenging role of the "Lion". She precisely mimicked the movements and image of a feline, making her very eye-catching on stage.
Hsuan-yun's Versatile Acting
As a project member, Chen, Hsuan-yun not only played the lead role of "Little Asu" but also took on the challenge of portraying multiple different characters throughout the play, demonstrating the remarkable resilience of a new-generation actor.
Teacher Mom's Stage Dream
While Chuang, Yung-hsiang and Chuang, Yung-ching were documenting below the stage, they watched their mother, Chen, Hsiao-ying, shine in the performance, adding a unique warmth to our project.
Highlight 3 Invisible Sweat—The Authentic Soul of Theater
Through close observation, we realized that translating animation into a stage format is extremely difficult:
The Cue Storm
Troupe Leader Kuo, Yueh-Mei revealed that to synchronize with the visuals and rhythm, the music cues reached a record-breaking number, leading to a chaotic adjustment period during early rehearsals.
Human-Powered Mechanics
Liu, Jia-yi insisted on using human power to create the mechanical effects, achieving visuals through manual movement and precise design.
Cross-Level Musical Challenge
The musical team consisted of university, high school, and junior high students. They had to carry bulky djembe drums while marching and playing in cramped areas and stairwells—a massive technical challenge.
Our Research Notes
Through our deep involvement in "CyberFair," we learned that:
The Power of Heritage
From professional actors and students to parents, art connects different generations together.
Continuous Refinement
Actors must constantly undergo a process of "readjustment and refinement" for their lines and emotions during rehearsals.
This experience taught us that a successful performance isn't just about the brilliance on stage, but the emotion accumulated from countless "backstage secrets". This is our most authentic 1002 Nights!
