Song Song Song Children's & Puppet Theatre
Nine Songs, a classic
southern Chinese ceremonial play, has its origins in a set of
ancient rituals that incorporated music, dance, and poetry. Song
Song Song Children's & Puppet Theatre (SSSCPT) adopted its
name, which in Chinese literally means "nine songs", to symbolize
its commitment to promoting Chinese folk culture and to helping
children enjoy happy, meaningful childhoods. By presenting classic
folktales with songs, dancing, and puppets, SSSCPT aims to make
itself a vital part of contemporary children's life.
SSSCPT was established on September 28, 1987, by Calvin Teng and
a crew who loved children's theater. It stages seasonal productions
and special performances, which depict a wide range of Chinese
folklore, classical children's literature, and contemporary topics.
There have been 68 SSSCPT productions in all, which have been
performed more than 2,600 times in front of audiences totaling
2,050,000. From cities to countrysides to off-island areas, SSSCPT
has brought joy everywhere in Taiwan.
Additionally, SSSCPT has been
dedicated to exploring international exchanges in children's
theater since its genesis. Sponsored by the Council for Cultural
Affairs of the Republic of China on Taiwan, SSSCPT made its first
tour in Europe in 1988, participating or performing in puppet and
children's theater festivals. SSSCPT has since visited numerous
countries, including Austria, Germany, the former Yugoslavia,
Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Switzerland, Czech, Slovakia, the United
States, Canada, Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, China, and
Ukraine, etc. It has also invited excellent foreign groups and
performers, like Kiev State Puppet Theater from Ukraine, MOKI
Children's Theater, and Trittbrettl Theater from Austria, Varna
State Theatre from Bulgaria, Antidote Theatre from Cyprus to
perform and give workshop seminars in Taiwan.
Furthermore, in order to promote its belief that children's
theater is a learning experience, SSSCPT conducts drama workshops
for children, teachers, and other interested people. It also
participates in planning and executing the seminars on children's
theater held by educational organizations around Taiwan. SSSCPT's
professional efforts to help expand children's understanding of
theatrical expression have gradually gained prevalent recognition
and support, especially in the field of children's education in
Taiwan.