Journey to Taiwan — 2010
Exploring the Text through Movement
with Mr. Sun
After working with Mr. Sun in 2008, Diane traveled to Taiwan in order to continue her research on Journey to the West. Actor, director, and Taiwanese national treasure, Mr. Sun graciously shares with Diane some of his insights into the character of Monkey King, who had the role passed on to him by his father and grandfather.
Mr. Sun demonstrating the hand gestures of Gwan Yin.
“Mr. Sun and his son are watching my version of the beginning of the epic. My Mandarin teacher Arabel is translating and filming.”
“How incredible to meet another soul, who lives on the other side of the world, and is as dedicated to bringing the story in all its richness to others.”
Exploring the Text through Dialogue
Interviews in Taiwan from Journey East
Benny
Benny and Candice kindly took Bob Geile and myself to visit the Taoist Temple in Hualien, Queen Mother of the West, where we talked about Journey to the West.
Candice
Candice was sitting next to me on the train, going from Kaohsiung to Hualien. She was on her way to Hualien to visit Benny. In the gracious manner of the Taiwanese, she and Benny insisted on taking us for a tour of Hualien.
Exploring the Text through Translation
Eleanor Chang is the president of Taipei Language Institute, where I studied Mandarin with Arabel - a teacher who specializes in legends and Journey to the West.
Sharon
Sharon, a friend of Candice’s, was eager to meet the “foreign lady”. Sharon teaches English to 3rd-6th graders in Tainan. Our interview took place in Hualien, where she was visiting her family for the New Year.