Local Community
Water Protest at Central Taiwan Science Park + Junliao Community – Hsichou Needs Water, Water, and More Water.
Design Theme ~ Water from Jhuoshuei River Is the Lifeblood of Hsichou Agriculture
The big parade, held once a year in Hsichou Township, attracts many teams to participate every year. To protest for protection of water from Central Taiwan Science Park, every participant wears a shirt printed with “Protect water”. Farmers in Hsichou Township depend on planting crops such as guava, sugar cane, rice, and so on. These crops need water from Jhuoshuei River. The farmers are against the new factory plan of Central Taiwan Science Park, which will try to take the water away. Without this water resource, the large land in Hsichou will not be able to produce good crops anymore, so they want to emphasize the importance of Jhuoshuei River to Hsichou Township villagers through this parade.
Design Process ~ Peasant women dance on the street to express their wish of protecting water
They create their work with Junliao Community. The topic has something to do with the water robbing by Central Taiwan Science Park, and their design combine with a Hawaiian style. There are a group of lively moms who are dancing with no less passion than the other teams. The showiest one is a scarecrow on which there is a printing saying, “Hsichou needs water, water, and water”. This means Hsichou Township needs water from Jhuoshuei River in order to produce delicious and beautiful crops. If Central Taiwan Science Park grabs water from Jhuoshuei River, there will be problems of excessive water pumping. Therefore, the women come to join this parade to tell people how important the Jhuoshuei River is to Hsichou Township. These peasant moms use breaks during farming to practice, and perform a splendid show. When we do an interview, we praise these parade moms for their sharpness. They are not shy for their senior age; instead, they protect the water source of Jhuoshuei River for Hsichou Township assertively.
Afterthoughts
After interviewing these lively moms, we felt their passion deeply. We understood the meaning of Jhuoshuei River to Hsichou Township. I believe everyone who has seen the performance should understand the meaning of “Hsichou needs water, water, and more water.”
Hsichou Township Community Development Association – Butterfly Dance with Flowers
Design Theme ~ Showing the Beauty of the Countryside Pathway with Butterflies and Flowers
With the idea of“Splendid World, Blooming Wealth, Dancing Butterflies”, they present the pretty countryside pathway in the parade.
Design Process ~ Awaken the forgotten local culture
In order for them to make the fashion materials, the students walked through four villages to find all the materials they need. They used more than two months of leisure time to prepare their idea, and produced very showy flowers and very pretty butterflies. Because of the instruction of arts teachers, they could draw the butterflies very lively. Perhaps people passed by and thought these were real butterflies. The students started by struggling with ideas until they had results like this to show people. Their life was enriched by this parade activity. The motivation of innovation makes them feel younger.
Afterthoughts
When I asked, “Which group do you feel will have the best performance in this activity?” They almost answered at the same time, “Of course that is us - Hsichou Township Community Development Association. We are the best.” The parade not only reminded people about forgotten traditional cultures, but also helped villagers to understand their communities more. In the activity, we not only opened our eyes wide to see each group’s ingenuity, but also interacted with friends when viewing works. It was worthwhile coming on this trip.
Shuiwei Community Development Association – Buffalo Whirlwind Returns
Design Theme ~ Show the Energy of Building Community
Shuiwei Community Development Association was established sixteen years ago. Besides for adhering to the original purpose – “Building Communication”, they have been struggling to improve the association. In the beginning, people did not pay attention to it, so there were only a few tens of members. Today, the number of members is increasing. There are more than two hundred members so far.
Design Process ~ Villagers contribute together and grow community relationships
During this period of time, the association has held different types of activities. Villagers have improved interactions with one another through these activities. Many villagers who originally did not know each other, have the common goal through this activity, so the relationship among neighborhoods get better. In the process of performance, the peasant wearing a bamboo hat and pulling two lively buffalo is the best portrayal of the farmer’s life. These uncles and aunts work very hard for the vivid performance. Many villagers try very hard for this activity, and come to help for the parade preparation during holidays or after work. Sometimes they have to work until very late before going home. Everyone contributes very much for this activity, and never complains. They just assert their desire to show people a perfect performance.
Afterthoughts
In the process of the activity, they did not expect to get a good score. They just wanted to reach a common view through Community Development Association, and to unite everyone’s forces. Even though a few of people disagreed with the actions of the preparation process, no one was bothered when contributing, and all put in efforts in preparing tools, cloth and dance for the parade. We sensed their efforts while doing the interviews, and also discovered that it was not easy to establish and develop the association. We would like to wish their association success in continued operation, and that they may bring benefits to communities.
Chenggong Community Talent Class – Little Tea Flower Calls out with Energy!
Design Theme ~ Rural Life Combines with Environmental Protection to Show Its Unique Style
Chenggong Community Talent Class, formed by elementary students, was established to care for elderly people who live alone. They visit the Veterans Home and perform for them. Starting with few members, they are now recognized with lots of members. Teacher Hsiu-ju Liao said, “Since the theme is about the rural life and environment protection, we use environmentally friendly materials and make the fittings by ourselves. Each one is unique. We want to joyfully participate and bring energy to all.”
Activity Procedure ~ Pure handmade clothes for environment protection
The main purpose of the parade is to have fun. In order to show people local life, their clothes is made of tea bags. We can tell their works help protect the environment and value environmental health. Every decoration is handmade. All little kids participating in the parade are very lovely. One child said, “Xiuru Mama is an excellent teacher. She let everyone happily learn the dance, and this was the reason I wanted to join.”
Afterthoughts
In this interview, I experienced, in person, that simple materials could be used for an impressive performance. The most special thing to me is that I joined the talent class of Cheng-gong when I was a second grader, and now I am an 8th grader. Interviewing this growing talent class has brought me back lots of good memories.
Chinghsi Women’s Association – The Most Beautiful Mothers
Design Theme – Showing Passion And Energy of Peasant Women
They dress in black attached with red flower cloth to show the vitality of peasant women. Colorful flowers on bamboo hats are the most flaming attire in a good harvest gathering. These go with coquettish dancing to show a portrayal of happy peasant families.
Design Process ~ Creative bikini outerwear
Chinghsi Women’s Association has been established for many years. It was formed by many wives and madams. The association has been supporting many activities. These moms have spent an entire two months preparing and practicing for this Art Street Parade. The flowers they used to decorate were folded by winkling papers one by one. They also used triangular flower cloths to make bikinis on them. It was very creative. Instructor Feng-mei Liu said that the Art Street Parade held by the township office is getting better and better. Their participation is getting higher too. This activity helps them bring back the energy from their youthful past.
Afterthoughts
These interviewees were the most successful and perfect among all groups. All aunts showed us youthful energy. I felt they were all great because they take good care of their children and family, and still have the energy to show their passion after busy farming.
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