Taiwan Shakespeare Database

FILES

Introduction;

video (1);

script (1);

production background (6);

photo (1);

publicity (1);

news (3);

review (7);

essay (4);

internal document (1)

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This production revolves around the relations between the Macbeth couple and the 3 witches. The 5 actors employ the skills of “the singing body” to explore each role's "musicality." Through precise and masterful use of the tunes and rhythm of Minnan, the play stimulates the audience's aural imagination and association, enabling them to experience Shakespeare's dramatic illusion and imagery though sound.

1.	Data Type: video Title: Performance Video of Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses Place: Taipei Date: 2003 Language: Minnan Taiwanese

Data Type: script

Author: Zhou, Ding-bang

Title: Script of Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses

Source: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan], official website

Place: Tainan

Publisher: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan]

Date: 2003

URL: http://www.tainanjen.org.tw/2003_Sonata_of_the_Witches.htm

Language: Minnan Taiwanese

Abstract: the full script

1.	Data Type: production background Title: Chinese Introduction to Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses Source: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan], official website Place: Tainan Publisher: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan] Date: 2003 URL: http://www.tainanjen.org.tw/2003_Sonata_of_the_Witches.htm Language: Chinese Abstract: introduction to the production background and ideas
2.	Data Type: production background Title: Director's Notes [Daoyan chuangzuo gouxiang] Source: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan], official website Place: Tainan Publisher: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan] Date: 2003 URL: http://www.tainanjen.org.tw/2003_Sonata_of_the_Witches.htm Language: Chinese Abstract: This production delivers Shakespeare’s breathtaking language with the beauty of rhythm and vocabulary in Taiwanese, an attempt to create a “Shakespeare’s play made in Taiwan” that relates to the local life and culture. The training developed by the Polish company Song of the Goat helps actors “make the body sing” and create their own “score of body and voice.”
3.	Data Type: production background Title: English Introduction to Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses Source: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan], official website Place: Tainan Publisher: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan] Date: 2003 URL: http://www.tainanjen.org.tw/2003_Sonata_of_the_Witches.htm Language: English Abstract: introduction to the production background and ideas
4.	Data Type: production background Author: Lu, Po-shen Title: How Should We Perform Shakespeare's Plays So As Not to Let Him Down? [Zenmeyang banyan Shaju cai duideqi na weida de Shashibiya] Source: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan], official website Place: Tainan Publisher: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan] Date: 2003 URL: http://www.tainanjen.org.tw/2003_Sonata_of_the_Witches.htm Language: Chinese Abstract: The director used to hate Shakespeare because of the strict pronunciation training he received when performing A Midsummer Night's Dream and the influence of postmodern theatre on him. The experience of watching plays at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre helped him realize that the aural beauty of Shakespeare’s plays. This time, he aims to deliver the beauty of Shakespeare’s language via Taiwanese and the “score of body and voice.”
5.	Data Type: production background Author: Li, Wei-mu Title: Producer and Set Designer's Notes Source: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan], official website Place: Tainan Publisher: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan] Date: 2003 URL: http://www.tainanjen.org.tw/2003_Sonata_of_the_Witches.htm Language: Chinese Abstract: The author recalls the director’s insistence on art and meticulous attitude towards details, which inspired the whole team. He also thanks all the participants in this production and friends that offered assistance.
6.	Data Type: production background Title: Synopsis of Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses Source: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan], official website Place: Tainan Publisher: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan] Date: 2003 URL: http://www.tainanjen.org.tw/2003_Sonata_of_the_Witches.htm Language: Chinese Abstract: synopsis

1.	Data Type: photo Title: Performance Photos of Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses Place: Taipei Publisher: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan] Date: 2003 Abstract: 16 photos

1.	Data Type: publicity Title: Flyer of Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses Place: Tainan Publisher: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan] Date: 2003 Language: English; Chinese Abstract: a flyer

1.	Data Type: news Author: Wang, Ling-li Title: Shakespeare Speaks Taiwanese: Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses Exposes Audience to Desire [Shashibiya shuo Taiyu: Makebai shipian guanzhong zhishen yuwang changjing] Source: Liberty Times [Ziyou shibao] Place: Taipei Date: 2003/5/22 URL: http://www.libertytimes.com.tw/2003/new/may/22/life/art-3.htm Language: Chinese Abstract: Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses is a play performed in Taiwanese in the “Shakespeare in Taipei” series. This Taiwanese production of Shakespeare features a stage covered in red rice husks, a Lady Macbeth walking on stilts, and witches wearing masks of an old man’s face. The adapted script focuses on the relationship between Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and the three witches.
2.	Data Type: news Author: Chen, Rong Title: Tainaner Ensemble's Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses Premieres Tomorrow [Tainanren jutuan xinzuo Nuwu zoumingqu Makebai shipian ming dengchang] Source: Epoch Times [Da ji yuan] Place: Taipei Publisher: Central News Agency [Zhongyang tongxun she] Date: 2003/5/21 URL: http://www.epochtimes.com/b5/3/5/21/n316394.htm Language: Chinese Abstract: The fourth production of Tainaner Ensemble, Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses presents the language of Shakespeare’s play through the tonality of Taiwanese. The script, translated by Ding-bang Zhou, consists of 13 selected scenes from Macbeth highlighting the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as well as how their ambition is driven by the predictions of the three witches.
3.	Data Type: news Author: Li, Yu-ling Title: Macbeth Speaks Taiwanese Too [Makebai shuo Taiyu mayetong] Source: United Daily News [Lianhe bao] Place: Taipei Date: 2003/5/22 Language: Chinese Abstract: Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses is Tainaner Ensemble’s second production of a Western classic performed in Taiwanese. The director Po-Shen Lu believes that Taiwanese, which has eight tones, serves better to deliver the beauty of Shakespeare’s language than Mandarin, which has five tones. The play is a big challenge for both the actors and the audience.

1.	Data Type: review Author: Yang, Wan-yi Title: Independent of the Shakespearean Halo: A Review on Tainaner Ensemble's Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses [Duli yu Shaweng jingdian guanghuan zhiwai ping Tainanren jutuan Nuwu zoumingqu Makebai shipian] Source: Performing Arts Review [PAR biaoyan yishu] Date: 2003/5/30 URL: http://www.paol.ntch.edu.tw/e-mag-content.asp?show=1&id=1250601 Language: Chinese Abstract: Solid in structure and abundant in theatrical concepts, the production treats theatre as a synthetic art. This is rare in small theatre, and makes the production shine, independent of the Shakespearean halo. Regrettably, the production prioritizes form over emotion, and fails to reach deeper emotion beyond the intellectual level.
2.	Data Type: review Author: Lan, Jian-hong Title: Review on Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses [Nuwu zoumingqu Makebai shipian guanhou pingjia] Source: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan], official website Place: Tainan Publisher: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan] Date: 2003 URL: http://www.tainanjen.org.tw/command.htm#劇評類 Language: Chinese Abstract: The director successfully presents the literary and dramatic tension in Shakespeare.
3.	Data Type: review Author: Lin, Ho-yi Title: Review on Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses [Nuwu zoumingqu Makebai shipian guanhou pingjia] Source: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan], official website Place: Tainan Publisher: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan] Date: 2003 URL: http://www.tainanjen.org.tw/command.htm#劇評類 Language: Chinese Abstract: The author praises the director for his delicate and outstanding treatment of imagery and symbols, such as the blood-like rice husks, masks, stilts, images, doors, etc., which effectively enhance and echo the themes of the play. The set design and costumes are excellent, and the performance is visually remarkable.
4.	Data Type: review Author: Liu, Cecilia H. C. Title: Review on Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses [Nuwu zoumingqu Makebai shipian guanhou pingjia] Source: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan], official website Place: Tainan Publisher: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan] Date: 2003 URL: http://www.tainanjen.org.tw/command.htm#劇評類 Language: Chinese Abstract: Tainaner Ensemble's Macbeth is remarkable. The audience was immersed in the reality and fantasy of a Shakespearean classic.
5.	Data Type: review Author: Zhang, Wen-long Title: Review on Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses [Nuwu zoumingqu Makebai shipian guanhou pingjia] Source: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan], official website Place: Tainan Publisher: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan] Date: 2003 URL: http://www.tainanjen.org.tw/command.htm#劇評類 Language: Chinese Abstract: The actors conquered the audience with remarkable body movements, voices and expressions.
6.	Data Type: review Author: Bartholomew, Ian Title: Tainan Jen Gets Macbeth Talking Source: Taipei Times [Taibei shibao] Place: Taipei Date: 2003/5/23 URL: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2003/05/23/2003052339 Language: English Abstract: In this review of Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses, a Taiwanese-language version of Shakespeare's classic, the author talks about the script, the language and the use of symbols. He notes that as the director Po-Shen Lu emphasizes the language and listening experience of the theatre, it is still hard to avoid influences from visually-oriented performances and media.
7.	Data Type: review Author: Huang A Miao (Huang, Hong-qin) Title: Tainaner Ensemble's Macbeth 2003 and 2007 Source: Cat's Room [Miaozaijian], Blog on Pixnet Date: 2007/9/23 URL: http://ascorpio1979.pixnet.net/blog/post/9134040 Language: Chinese Abstract: An actor playing in Tainaner Ensemble's Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses in 2003 compares Shakespeare Unplugged 3: Macbeth in 2007 to the previous production and expresses some personal opinions.

1.	Data Type: essay Author: Liao, Yu-ru Title: The Battle Between the Witches and Macbeth: Reflections on Aesthetics Extended from Shakespeare's Macbeth and Lu Po-Shen’s Sonata of the Witches – The Macbeth Verses [Nuwu yu Makebai zhi zheng Shaju yuandian yu Lu Boshen Nuwu zoumingqu Makebai ship Source: Journal of Chinese Literature of National Cheng Kung University [Chengda zhongwen xuebao] Place: Tainan Publisher: Department of Chinese Literature [Zhongguo wenxue xi], National Cheng Kung University [Guoli chenggong daxue] Volume, Number: 21 Date: 2008/7 Pages: 167-192 Language: Chinese Abstract: This essay compares the original Macbeth and the 2003 production of Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses, plus a comment on the 2007 performance, and discusses the reasons why director Po-Shen Lu emphasizes the witches, his aesthetics, and the questions the play raises for Taiwan theatre.
2.	Data Type: essay Author: Fu, Yu-hui Title: Can't Believe This Is Really Shakespeare!: On the "Shakespeare in Taipei" Festival Source: Performing Arts Review [PAR biaoyan yishu] Place: Taipei Publisher: National Chiang Kai-Shek Cultural Center [Guoli zhongzheng wenhua zhongxin] Volume, Number: 125 Date: 2003/4/25 URL: http://www.paol.ntch.edu.tw/e-mag-content.asp?show=1&id=1240141 Language: Chinese Abstract: The article is an introduction to the five productions in the 2003 “Shakespeare in Taipei” Festival: Titus Andronicus by Shakespeare's Wild Sisters Group, Maze, Spectacle and Music: King Lear by Off Performance Workshop and Sun Son Theatre, Romeo and Juliet by Golden Bough Theatre, Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses by Tainaner Ensemble, and Beautiful Shakespeare by Riverbed Theatre.
3.	Data Type: essay Author: Yu, Shan-lu Title: Is or Is Not Shakespeare in Taipei? [Shashibiya zai buzai Taibei] Source: LULUSHARP，PChome personal news station Date: 2003/6/14 URL: http://mypaper.pchome.com.tw/yushanlu/post/3161920 Language: Chinese Abstract: The author analyzes the five plays in the “Shakespeare in Taipei” series and comments that the many recent Shakespeare plays performed in Taipei left little imprint on Taiwan theatre. He still holds expectations for Po-Shen Lu, who attempt to capture the rhythm of Shakespeare’s iambic pentameter.
4.	Data Type: essay Author: Zhou, Ding-bang Title: When the Mother Tongue Meets Shakespeare [Dang muyu yudao Shakespeare shi] Language: Chinese Abstract: Just as Shakespeare’s plays altered the scornful attitude towards the English mother tongue in his time, the author hopes to raise the profile of his mother tongue through translating Shakespearean classics into Minnan Taiwanese. He shares the problems solutions in translating Macbeth, including using loan words, creating new vocabulary, and training non-native-speakers.

Data Type: internal document

Title: Production Plan of Sonata of the Witches: The Macbeth Verses

Source: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan], official website

Place: Tainan

Publisher: Tainaner Ensemble [Tainanren jutuan]

Date: 2003

URL: http://www.tainanjen.org.tw/2003_Sonata_of_the_Witches.htm

Language: Chinese

Abstract: The plan includes pre-production training, performance ideas, and the form of performance.