This Is Not an Embassy (Made in Taiwan) explores the challenge of creating an embassy for a place that isn't officially recognized as a state. Taiwan, located in the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, faces political instability similar to its shaky geological landscape. Despite being a UN member in the past, Taiwan lost its seat in 1971 and has struggled for international recognition ever since, with only a few countries diplomatically recognizing it. This places Taiwan in a tough spot between global powers.
However, Taiwan has found creative ways to build connections without official recognition, using NGOs and trade alliances. In the theater, where illusion and representation reign, the question arises: How does one depict Taiwan onstage? What symbols—flags, anthems, rituals—capture its essence in the contemporary world?
Stefan Kaegi, along with Taiwanese artists, spent seven weeks talking to diplomats, geologists, and others in Taiwan to understand its unique situation. In This Is Not an Embassy (Made in Taiwan), they bring together diverse voices, including a retired ambassador, a digital activist, and even someone from a bubble tea business, to explore Taiwan's quest for identity and recognition on the world stage.
This year marks exactly 400 years since The Netherlands colonized parts of Taiwan and the VOC build Fort Zeelandia in Taiwan, making it a poignant time to bring this work to the Netherlands and transform our theater into an embassy. By doing so, we highlight Taiwan's story and foster a deeper understanding of its unique position in the world.