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When the Curtain Rose: How Philadelphia, Tokyo, Taipei, Seville, Technology, and Flamenco Saved a Ballet and an Opera and Created a Cultural Movement That Changed the Lives of Artists and Engineers

In Partnership with The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia and The Center for East Asian Studies at the University of Pennsylvania

A major Spanish ballet-and-opera production featuring flamenco was days away from cancellation at Taiwan’s National Opera Theater. The conductor had suddenly fallen ill. The stakes were immense. The curtain was about to stay down.

Then an extraordinary international rescue began.

Artists, producers, engineers, and supporters across continents mobilized — beginning with a vital network in Philadelphia — and extending through Tokyo, Taiwan, Seville, and beyond. Determination turned crisis into action. And flamenco carried the story forward — it became an international sensation.

The impact continued long after the final curtain call. Spain invited Taiwan to co-produce an opera in Madrid and Seville, opening a new chapter in international artistic partnership. A Taiwanese dancer who captivated Spanish audiences achieved a historic milestone: becoming the first non-Spanish-born artist to join the Spanish National Ballet and winning a prestigious flamenco competition in Spain.

This is far more than a conventional lecture—it is the director’s cut of an extraordinary international rescue.
Through rare video footage, audiences will experience not only the triumph of the performance itself, but also the behind-the-scenes collaboration that brought artists, engineers, and cultural partners together across borders. The story travels from Taiwan’s National Opera House to the historic centennial production of El retablo de maese Pedro in Madrid and Seville.
And it will be presented in Philadelphia’s own award-winning "best intimate venue"—the Fallsers Club, a former historic movie theater.

Ren Egawa

With more than 30 years of global technology leadership, Ren is known for advancing industry transformation across borders. Nikkei Electronics has featured his strategies for revitalizing Japan’s electronics sector. He received the prestigious Matsushita Award for pioneering next-generation video technology and helping establish it as a global standard.
Based in Greater Philadelphia since 1993, Ren is also a dedicated civic and cultural leader. He serves as Board Vice President of the Japan America Society, a board member of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Ambassador Circle of The Philadelphia Orchestra, and a Commissioner on the Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian American Pacific Islander Affairs.
A technologist, cultural bridge-builder, and global connector, Ren Egawa brings a rare perspective on how innovation and the arts can change what is possible.

10% off Taqueria Cresta with your Fallser Club ticket!!

By Car or By Train

The East Falls Train Station is a short walk from the Fallser Club. Parking in East Falls is no problem! There is ample free on-street parking near the East Falls train station driveway at 3610 Midvale Ave and a paid municipal lot three blocks away at 4100 Ridge Ave. Midvale Ave and Ridge Ave are both well-lit!

Contact the host of When The Curtain Rose