pulu’em & Luna

In an enduring music and dance performance, pulu'em and Luna celebrate Taiwan's indigenous artistry and vitality with masterful and evocative narratives inviting audiences on a journey of self and collective reflection. The performance starts with pulu'em by Sangpuy, a musician from Taiwan’s Pinuyumayan tribe, who pays tribute to the cultural, natural, and spiritual heritage of Taiwan's indigenous peoples with songs from his latest album 'pulu'em', along with his biggest hits and other soulful native tunes. 

The show continues with Luna, performed by the highly acclaimed Bulareyaung Dance Company. Their 2018 milestone production integrates contemporary dance with inspiration from the rituals and singing of the Bunun people, also listed as a cultural heritage in Taiwan. Together, pulu'em and Luna offer an otherworldly experience that transports audiences on an immersive journey of self-reflection in the beauty and calm of time, nature, and life.

pulu’em & Luna is part of the Isle to Isle series, presented by George Town Festival 2023 in partnership with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia. 

About Sangpuy 

Sangpuy hails from the indigenous Pinuyumayan tribe in Taitung, Taiwan, where the mountains meet the ocean. For the past decade, his music has received critical acclaim for its poetic lyrics, soulful melodies, and authentic representation of indigenous culture. 

Throughout his career, Sangpuy has received numerous accolades for his contributions to music and cultural preservation. He has won multiple awards at the prestigious Golden Melody Awards, winning the Best Vocalist in Indigenous Language awards in 2013 and 2017, as well as the Best Vocal Recording Album and the Album of the Year awards in 2017. He was also the Gold Medal Winner for the 60th Global Music Awards(USA), and the recipient of the Best World Traditional Music Award (USA) and the 16th Independent Music Awards. 

Sangpuy’s music is a testament to the power of art in bridging cultural divides and fostering understanding. He continues to inspire audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry and reminding us of the enduring beauty and significance of indigenous cultures. 

About Bulareyaung Dance Company

The Bulareyaung Dance Company was founded in 2015 in Taitung by Bulareyaung Pagarlava, an indigenous choreographer from Taiwan. The Company often works in the mountains, surrounded by the singing of old chants by the waterside, uses these inspirations for the creation of dance pieces and dance training. Dancers immerse themselves regularly within these settings, developing unique body movements and vocabulary by delving into their indigenous heritage and culture. 

Since its founding, the Company has presented several productions, including La Song (2015), Qaciljay (2016), Colors (2016), Stay That Way (2017), Luna (2018), #Yes or No (2019), Not Afraid of the Sun and Rain (2021), Rustling, Whirring (2022), and tiaen tiamen Episode 1 (2023). Stay That Way won the Taishin Performing Arts Award in 2017, and Luna further won the coveted Taishin Arts Award Annual Grand Prize in 2018. It is the first performing troupe to be awarded in two consecutive years. The Company has been invited to various performances, and has also toured to the United States, Canada, Singapore, Japan, Beijing, and Hong Kong.