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Taiwanese acrobat troupe to perform in Campbell River May 31

Show helps celebrate Asian Heritage Month

To celebrate Asian Heritage Month, Taiwanese acrobat troupe Formosa Circus Art (FOCA) will be coming to the Tidemark Theatre.

After a successful show in the Comox Valley last year, FOCA has set its sights on Campbell River’s Tidemark Theatre for a night of multi-cultural sharing. The Campbell River stop is one of two in Canada this year, the other being Edmonton.

Established in 2011, FOCA takes its name from the “beautiful island” of Taiwan. In the 16th century, Portuguese sailors sighted the then-uncharted island and gave it the name “Ilha Formosa,” meaning “beautiful island.” The name remained in common use among English speakers until the 20th century. The name reflects the troupe’s “deep pride in its roots,” a release from FOCA says.

The troupe has performed at various international events, including the Avignon Festival in France, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

“We blend traditional forms, street culture and theatre arts to craft a distinctive and diverse form of contemporary circus,” the release says. “As a dynamic platform for a variety of performances, we cultivate a unique physical vocabulary, proudly showcasing the richness of Taiwanese creativity.”

The show will be on May 31 at 7 p.m. It will be co-hosted by the Comox Valley Multicultural Society and the Maple Pool Campsite. Tickets are available at the Tidemark Theatre website. Tickets are $30 for adults, and $20 for children under age 12.

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