In April of 2001, Ragamala Music and Dance Theater was invited to perform in Miao-Li, Taiwan, as part of the Miao-Li International Mask Festival. The six-week festival presented groups from all over the world, including Korea, Tibet, South Africa, Colombia, and Spain. Ragamala was the only group from the United States featured in the festival.
During our week-long stay in Miao-Li County, Ragamala presented public performances, school performances, and lecture demonstrations. We also had the opportunity to travel around the area and, at the invitation of our generous hosts, visit local temples, markets, and art galleries. In the town of Hou Lon, where we presented a performance for schoolchildren, we were welcomed personally by the Village Chairman, escorted through the streets by a parade culminating at a stunningly ornate Buddhist temple, and presented with a lavish home-cooked meal by the town’s Women’s Association.
Ragamala’s dancers, musicians, and staff who had the privilege of visiting Taiwan were rewarded with an experience we will never forget, and new friends with whom we hope we will never lose touch. We hope you’ll enjoy viewing the following photos from our trip, taken by Ragamala apprentice dancer Kendall Lakoduk.
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The Miao-Li International
Mask Festival Pavillion,
Exhibition Hall, and Theater:
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Near our hotel: |
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A performance for schoolchildren: |
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Teaching a community workshop: |
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Our wonderful hosts--Wendy, Victor, and Benjamin: |
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Ranee accepting a gift from the festival organizers: |
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Our reception in Hou Lon Village: |
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With new friends: |
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