Chen Chieh-jen’s Shared Stage Project: Sydney Street Choir

Join the inimitable Sydney Street Choir for a one-off performance of classics and new works as part of exhibiting artist Chen Chieh-jen’s Shared Stage Project.

This project, continuing Chieh-jen’s long tradition of working with non-professional performers, from unemployed and underemployed people, gig economy workers, factory workers and unhoused people, is inspired by the traditional Taiwanese workers theatre known as a “Lo-deh sao”. In the off-seasons of agricultural-era Fujian, Minnan and Taiwan, farmers would clear a small area of ground in the village, or beneath a tree, to perform for their fellow townspeople.

As part of this project, three distinct performance collectives, each with a focus on socially engaged and community practice, will activate the installation at various times throughout the Biennale. And at the root of the work is the enduring urgency of self-determined storytelling, and creating space for traditionally disenfranchised people to make their voice heard.

Chen Chieh-jen’s Shared Stage Project was created for the Biennale of Sydney with generous support from Ministry of Culture, R.O.C., Taiwan Content Plan, assistance from Lin & Lin Gallery.

Photo by Luciano Vranich