For Wu Po-fu, a graduate student from the School of Theatre Arts, it was like a dream come true when he was selected to take part in a 10-day workshop at Odin Teatret in Denmark in March.
Wu said he was first told about the Holstebro-based group in acting classes during his undergraduate years, and he was extremely excited when he got the chance to actually learn at Odin this year from so many world-class artists.
As the only one chosen by TNUA to attend the Odin workshop, Wu said the program was substantial. He said the day would start at 7:15 a.m. with jogging, to be followed by course work, lectures, workshops, visits and other activities, such as watching theatre performances. The long day would typically end at 10 p.m.
The busy schedule was meant to help him find the "roots" of his art, he said.
Wu also got to understand more about Odin's history and internal operations, and its interactive role in the local Holstebro culture.
Wu noted that Odin is marking its 50th anniversary this year, and its major members are already 60 years or older. Many people are afraid that Odin will soon cease to exist.
Odin's answer to the concern is that it may close its doors one day, but as along as they can still work, each and every member will keep doing their best, according to Wu.
Wu pointed out that Odin's heritage comes in the form of huge amounts of records and documents the group has been carefully keeping since it was formed by Eugenio Barba. And Odin is generous about lending these materials to researchers and performing artists.