A music theater work inspired by the story of Admiral Zheng He

Zheng He embarked on grand voyages for seven times and it was said to be close one century earlier than Colombus of Spain. His legendary voyages had undergone unprecedented cultural exchanges and his gigantic fleets had trailed across the globe leaving an oceanic legacy. 1433-The Grand Voyage chose to focus on Zheng He’s wondrous seventh voyage and reveals the ordeals and tears behind the legend. A lot of attention was paid to the internal emotions of Zheng He in his later year, to his pursuit of dreams and his loss of dreams and to his compassion and salvation. Robert Wilson, called a towering figure in the world of experimental theater by the New York Times, joins hands with the U Theatre of Taiwan, one of the top performing arts groups in Taiwan, to create this cross-cultural epic work. LIU Ruo-Yu, the founder of U Theatre of Taiwan, is also involved in the production bringing her refreshing viewpoints to vividly depict this legendary hero. This production has been in preparation for over three years and is the fourth flagship production of world class from TPAC, the Taiwan Performing Arts Center (newly assumed English name for National Chiang Kai-shek Cultural Center).

With the participation of YIP Tim, the Oscar-winning master in costume design, Robert Wilson will work on the imagination of visual and spatial possibilities and create a poetic theater with waves of power. HUANG Chih-Chun, the music director of U Theatre, will interpret the impact of Zheng He with his drum, martial arts as well as his Zen meditation and explosive energy. Along with the music from Jazz Master Ornette Coleman and Jazz musician Richard Landry, 1433-The Grand Voyage will bring the audience an unforgettable journey to a powerful musical experience. Ms. TANG Mei Yun, the award-winning television and movie diva in Taiwanese opera, will also sparkle the audience with wonder.

About the Artists
Director／Robert Wilson

Robert Wilson is an American director and is known for his signature use of light, his investigations into the structure of a simple movement, the classical rigor of his scenic and furniture design. One of his early achievements was the production of Einstein on the Beach with Philip Glass in 1976. After that, Wilson worked extensively with many major European theaters and artists.