Tsiáh thóo

Tsiáh thóo, literally “eating earth,” is inspired by the experiences of choreographer Lin I-Chin, who grew up near the Fusing Temple in Hsilo, a small village in southern Taiwan. Lin evokes the warmth and scents of her birthplace, where the temple forms the heart of daily life. The loud and vibrant sounds of Pak-kuán music, a traditional Taiwanese musical form, are intended to make the consciousness and energy of the universe vibrate and to awaken the body, nourished by the local earth.

As the impacts of climate change become increasingly visible, the question arises of how humans can rediscover a new approach to an over-controlled natural world and re-enter into dialogue with the land. By combining traditional Pak-kuán music, contemporary percussion, and electronic sounds, Tsiáh thóo explores the relationship between humans and the land. The performance evokes a ritual to ward off affliction. It reminds us of our long-lost ability to connect with nature, to feel the animistic energy of the land, and to build a harmonious and sustainable relationship with the environment.

Since 2014, Bare Feet Dance Theatre has focused on the traditional culture, rituals, language, and customs of Taiwan. Through fieldwork, the company discovers and rediscovers the deep connection between the land and the bodies of its people. Through contemporary dance, traditional movements are given new form and energy.