Festival Interuniversitaire de Théâtre

The APFT, also known as the Association of French Professors in Taiwan, holds the annual "Festival Interuniversitaire de Théâtre". It is an event where French majors from universities in Taiwan gather to perform theatrical plays. Each year, there will be around ten groups representing different universities participating in this event. Most of the participants from other groups are in their third or even fourth year of studies, but in our case, all of our members are Freshmen and Sophomores.

I participated last year, as well as the year before, but never as an actor. I was responsible for the costumes and make-up for two years. However, this year, I was there as an audience to emotionally support the little Freshmen and the adorable Sophomores. I felt nervous for them because the performance that went before us was really funny. The actors were lively and entertaining with their exaggerated lines and dramatic gestures. The judges were laughing at their jokes throughout the whole play. When it was our turn, the atmosphere shifted. Our play is a melancholic tragedy called "Cyrano de Bergerac", where our actors had to recite poetic love letters and mourn the death of their loved ones. My favorite part was the balcony scene, where our actor declared his love towards the actress (not to be mistaken with Romeo and Juliet!). Our script was sophisticated and refined, as the emotions of our actors were intricate and profound.

When it was time for the awarding ceremony, not only did our university get the first place for best actor and the second place for best actress, but we also got first place for the best theatrical performance! I was impressed, but also comforted in a way, since I could see how much our major has progressed and improved throughout the years. When I was in my Freshman year, we were awarded best costume and best actor. During my Sophomore year, we were awarded second place for best performance and first place for best actor. This year, we swept away all of the major awards, which I couldn't be more happy about. After the festival, my friends and I stopped for dinner and ice-cream, and we all went home feeling satisfied and contented.

Again, congratulations everyone from the Department of European Languages and Cultures!