Universal StageX / The Power of Cultural Crossovers: How Musicals Connect Global Audiences

Arts Beat ┃By Evelyn Lian

As the lights dim and the music begins, audiences around the world seem to find their own moments of magic in musicals. The power of musicals comes not just from their dazzling stages and moving melodies, but from their ability to touch on universal emotions. It is worth pondering how this art form transcends language, culture, and geographical boundaries, building bridges between audiences.

Resonance of Stories: From Personal Experience to Global Emotion

Whether it’s Broadway’s Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen or West End's SIX, a compelling story is always at the heart of musicals. Many audience members share that they see reflections of themselves in these performances. For instance, the pursuit of justice and freedom in Les Misérables is not just a narrative of the French Revolution, but also a universal emotion that transcends time and space.

Outstanding musicals do not merely tell a story; they use the language of the stage to soothe the soul and provoke audiences to reflect on life.

Photo © Hamilton Musical

A Silent Dialogue of Music and Visuals

The allure of musicals also lies in the deep fusion of music and visuals. Take The Lion King, for example; its stage design incorporates African drumming and natural elements, successfully breaking down language barriers. Some audience members note that even if they cannot understand the language of the performance, they can still feel a connection to nature through the music and visual design.

The Global Experiment of Asian Musicals

In recent years, Asian musicals have showcased impressive performances on the international stage. For instance, The Joy of Wedding cleverly brings Taiwanese wedding culture and family ethics to the stage, successfully attracting audiences from different cultural backgrounds. While these works originate from local culture, they express universal emotions that resonate deeply with international audiences.

Photo © The Wedding Banquet Musical

Moreover, the rise of Japanese and Korean musicals adds new colors to the landscape of Asian musicals. Productions like Attack on Titan from Japan and Maybe Happy Ending from Korea display unique Asian storytelling methods and attract a significant international fanbase. These works are innovative in their visual effects and musical arrangements, allowing them to resonate with global audiences.

Photo © Maybe Happy Ending Musical

From Local to Global: The Future Blueprint of Musicals

The theaters in Taiwan are witnessing a wave of creative energy, with many local creators dedicated to bringing more works to the international stage. The challenge they face is how to retain the local flavor of their stories while ensuring that international audiences can find resonance.

The essence of musicals is sharing and connection. When audiences sit in the theater, regardless of their location, they participate in a global emotional exchange.

In the future, how musicals continue to break through cultural and geographical boundaries will bring more surprises and inspiration. From small theaters to international stages, musicals will continue to be the best language for cultural integration in their unique way.

Globalization Guidance for Local Creators

For local creators, seeking globalization involves adopting specific strategies to enhance the international impact of their work. First, it is crucial to deeply understand the unique characteristics of their own culture and fully express its distinct stories and emotions. This not only attracts domestic audiences but also piques the interest of international viewers. Creators should consider how to transform local cultural elements into universal feelings, allowing audiences from different backgrounds to resonate with them.

Secondly, adopting a global perspective by researching international musical theater trends and audience demands is vital. Creators can reference successful works from other countries, learn from their storytelling structures, performance styles, and musical arrangements, and think about how to incorporate these elements into their own creations. This approach not only improves the quality of their work but also increases connections with international audiences.

Additionally, establishing connections with artists or groups from other countries through collaboration or exchange can bring new inspiration and perspectives. Such collaborations are beneficial not only for the creative process but also for expanding the creator’s network and increasing the visibility of their work.

Finally, maintaining an open mindset and being adaptable to new challenges and opportunities is essential. The world of musical theater is constantly evolving, and creators should always be prepared to embrace change and seek innovative ways to tell their stories. Through these guidelines, local creators can effectively bring their works to the international stage, allowing diverse voices and stories to be heard by a wider audience.