Behind the Scenes: Creation of 13 Tongues 十三聲創作溯源

This short documentary traces choreographer CHENG Tsung-lung’s creative journey as he transforms memories of his birthplace, Bangka—an old Taipei district—into the acclaimed dance work 13 Tongues, performed over 100 times at major festivals and venues worldwide. Drawing from its vivid street life,  CHENG explores three key elements: Body, Sound, and Colour. 

The first chapter focuses on “Body,” showing how everyday gestures and movements from Bangka’s streets inspired the choreography. The second chapter dives into “Sound,” featuring temple chants, vendor calls, and melodies from southern Taiwanese folk songs to Japanese-era Nakashi music. The final chapter highlights “Colour,” where neon signs, temple costumes, and urban textures are reimagined as rich stage projections. 

Through collaboration with Cloud Gate dancers and designers, CHENG reshapes  Bangka’s sensory landscape into a visual and aural fantasy on stage.

 

雲門舞集藝術總監鄭宗龍挖掘艋舺記憶，於 2016 年編創舞作《十三聲》。 

兒時蹲踞地面擺地攤的視角，黑道追逐的膽戰心驚，街頭人生百態的身體樣貌，耳裡震盪著那卡西與廟宇中振振念誦，通通收納《十三聲》。至今舞作已造訪國內外多城，包括巴黎、里昂、倫敦與斯德哥爾摩，累積演出逾百場。 

「《十三聲》創作溯源」透過影像紀錄，鄭宗龍回探創作，與舞作藝術群：音樂創作林強、美術設計何佳興、影像設計王奕盛，再返屏東滿州與萬華等地，穿梭廟宇、遶境、卡拉 OK、土地與自然，從肢體、聲音與色彩視覺爬梳創作足跡。 

一探舞蹈創作走過的大小路徑，一窺《十三聲》猛猛生命力的迸發之地。

 

In Partnership with DanceHouse

Film is in Mandarin with English Subtitles