For over 30 years, the Formosa Indigenous Song and Dance Troupe (FISDT) has worked to preserve and revitalize the cultural heritage of Taiwan’s Indigenous communities through traditional songs, dances, and rituals. Based in Hualien County, the troupe has become a key cultural ambassador, bringing Indigenous traditions beyond Taiwan’s shores to audiences worldwide.
Most recently, the ensemble performed at the George Town Festival in Penang, Malaysia, showcasing the rich musical and dance heritage of Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples. Following this, FISDT is scheduled to present its latest production, When Spirits Meet, at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) from August 14 to 16. The show, a collaboration with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia and supported by Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture, highlights the cultural practices of the Pinuyumayan of the Puyuma community and the Pangcah of the Kiwit community—two of Taiwan’s 17 officially recognized Indigenous tribes.
When Spirits Meet explores New Year traditions through generations-old chants, songs, and dances. The first segment focuses on the Pinuyumayan people's ceremonies, including Emayaayam chants tied to the Mugamut (Women’s Festival) and rituals marking men’s safe return from hunting. The second part presents the Pangcah’s Ilisin New Year Ceremony, featuring chants that trace tribal origins and migration, culminating in communal song and dance.
Founded in 1991 amid rising social movements and increased awareness of Indigenous rights in Taiwan, FISDT was established to challenge the commercialized and oversimplified portrayal of Indigenous culture prevalent in tourist attractions at the time. Co-founder and artistic director Faidaw Fagod, an Amis Indigenous artist, emphasized that the troupe seeks to present ceremonial performances rooted in social structure, cultural traditions, and environmental connections rather than mere entertainment.
The troupe’s approach integrates rigorous fieldwork and community collaboration, with each production developed with the consent and guidance of tribal elders. Over 1,000 Indigenous performers have participated since its inception. Currently, FISDT works with about a dozen part-time dancers primarily from the Pangcah (Amis) tribe, with representation from several other Indigenous groups including Truku, Tao, Pinuyumayan, Rukai, and Atayal.
FISDT’s enduring mission reflects Taiwan’s evolving Indigenous movement, as younger generations engage more deeply with their cultural identities amidst broader societal changes. Fagod notes that contemporary Indigenous youth are increasingly concerned with environmental sustainability and gender equality, and the troupe encourages these themes through the lens of traditional performance.
“The deep relationships with land, elders, and community life fostered by FISDT cannot be replicated online or in classrooms,” Fagod said, underscoring the importance of direct immersion in Indigenous environments for cultural transmission.
Members like 21-year-old Isiu Sinko, who is of Amis and Saisiyat descent, describe their involvement in FISDT as a profound link to their heritage. “My Indigenous heritage is the most precious gift… what I perform embodies resilience, cultural identity, and Indigenous pride,” she said.
Beyond performance, FISDT has contributed to broader cultural and community development. Many alumni have become notable musicians, educators, or leaders in Indigenous performing arts and community initiatives, helping sustain Taiwan’s Indigenous traditions for future generations.
When Spirits Meet runs at Pentas 1, KLPac, from August 14 to 16. Further information is available via cloudjoi.com.