Trailblazing Taiwan LGBT novel “Crystal Boys” is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a special stage show March 21-22 at National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts in southern Taiwan.
The dance-orientated production tracks the main characters as they struggle to discover identity and a sense of self. It also encapsulates the power of love and its ability to transcend gender stereotypes.
Pai Hsien-yung, author of “Crystal Boys” said Feb. 3 during a promotional event that the stage adaptation is a highly recommended visual masterpiece promising to take the audience on an emotional voyage of discovery.
Echoing Pai’s remarks artistic director Chien Wen-pin said the show is also a celebration of Taiwan’s status as one of the world’s most friendly and welcoming societies for same-sex couples. It is sincerely hoped the play will further strengthen cohesiveness among all segments of society and spur enlightened dialogue and exchanges, he added.
Set in the 1970s, the novel details the challenges faced by members of Taiwan’s LGBT community as they carved out a niche in one of Asia’s most conservative societies. Last year, the title was included in French daily Le Monde’s listing of the 100 best books since 1944. (TYT-E)
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