U-Theatre is Asia’s premier performing arts group, renowned internationally for its visually striking performances that blend drumming, martial arts, acrobatics, sacred movement and music. Their shows, such as “Sword of Wisdom,” narrate profound stories like the journey of the ‘Brave One’ facing fears and discovering inner courage. Over the past decade, U-Theatre has performed on prestigious stages worldwide.
U-Theatre is famous for its intense discipline, virtuosity, and the extreme beauty and precision of movement, embodying both Chinese martial artistry and rhythmic dance within its drumming performances. “Sword of Wisdom” is a percussion show that transmits a calm yet powerful sound, inspired by four Buddhist verses illustrating the warrior’s path to self-realization. The group’s name, “U-Theatre,” is derived from a Chinese character meaning “excellence,” which historically referred to professional performers in ancient China.
Founded in 1988 by Ms. Liu Ruo-Yu, U-Theatre was influenced by Jerzy Grotowski’s aesthetic perspective and training methods. In 1993, Mr. Huang Chih-Chun joined as a percussionist, integrating meditation into the core of U-Theatre’s training curriculum. The group extensively integrates elements of martial arts, drumming, meditation, Tai Chi guiding, and sacred movement with music, drama, literature, and rituals. This blend of Eastern and Western cultures aims to transcend the boundaries between ancient and modern times, crafting a distinctive performance style known as “U-Theatre Aesthetics.” Their creations are deeply rooted in musicality and bodily awareness, intertwined with the practice methods of “Dao.”

On September 20, on the slopes of Europe’s highest active volcano, U-Theatre will lead a Mindful Walk: a meditative walk accompanied by the deep pulse of drums and the living presence of the landscape.

This will be an intimate and contemplative event, reserved for a limited audience invited to share a unique experience of listening, silence, and total immersion in nature.
The connection with the volcano’s breath and the ritual quality of movement make this walk a central moment in the entire project.