Pek Kuan (Debbie) Tai

Debbie is an accomplished artist and cultural visionary with a rich educational background. She holds a Master's Degree in Oil Painting Creation and Theoretical Research from the Academy of Fine Arts of South China Normal University in Guangzhou. Her foundational Bachelor's Degree in Visual Arts (Education Major) is from the Macao Polytechnic University. Debbie further honed her skills through the Playback Theatre Leadership Program at the Center for Playback Theater, School of Playback Theater in the UK, London. She also expanded her artistic repertoire through studies in Drama in Education (DiE), mime, improvisational theater performance, and creative writing at the Conservatório de Macau.

 

Since 2003, Debbie has been deeply involved in art administration and project planning. In 2008, she founded the art group "Zero Distance Cooperative," where she currently serves as the chairman, resident choreographer, and artistic director. Debbie has directed over 30 dramatic works, showcasing her proficiency in translating artistic vision into compelling performances.

 

From 2014 onwards, she has spearheaded numerous community art projects that delve into themes such as neighborhood changes, human-nature relationships, marine ecology, social inclusion, and childhood adversity experiences (ACEs). Notably, Debbie has been at the forefront of initiatives highlighting the impact of arts on community well-being.

 

In response to the changing dynamics of the artistic landscape, Debbie ventured into the realm of online theater performances and workshops in 2020. She collaborates with the "World Playback Theater," an online theater group featuring performers from diverse corners of the globe, including the Philippines, India, Russia, Bulgaria, Germany, Norway, and the United States. Together, they serve different communities worldwide, breaking down geographical barriers through the power of online artistic expression.

 

Debbie's journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the intersection of art, community, and global connectivity. Her native language is Cantonese, and she also speaks fluent English and Mandarin.