Ming-Wei Chen

Ming-Wei Chen is a PhD student at the University of Toronto’s Centre for Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies. He received his MA in Drama and Theatre from National Taiwan University and a BA in Drama Creation and Application from National University of Tainan.

Ming-Wei’s research focuses on the relationship between theatre and society, with particular interests in participatory theatre, applied theatre, drama education, and site-specific performance. His recent research explores how theatre troupes perform a place and its community by collaborating with local residents in Taiwan. In the future, he aims to examine how drama can bridge different generations and backgrounds, enabling audiences to engage in discussions on challenging topics.

In addition to his research, Ming-Wei is a producer and performance planner in theatre practice. He has also ventured into directing and is learning the role of a Xiaosheng in Kunqu opera. Moreover, Ming-Wei is an active critic and observer of Taiwanese theatre, contributing articles to various publications. He is also a certified high school drama teacher, dedicated to leading teenagers in exploring culture and the world through theatre.

Selected Works

“Fringe But Not Fragile: An insight into How Taipei Fringe Festival Participants Make It Work.” Theatre Talk, March 2024. 
“Overview of Taiwanese Theatre 2022.” in The Almanac of Taiwan Literature 2022. National Museum of Taiwan Literature, 2023, pp. 32–40. 
“Overview of Taiwanese Theatre 2021.” in The Almanac of Taiwan Literature 2021. National Museum of Taiwan Literature, 2022, pp.39–45.