Ambush! is a synthesis of traditional Taiwanese and Chinese music and choreographic and dramatic elements in a show of 90 minutes. The production premiered in 2005 as Chai Found’s first “Eastern Instrumental Theater” production. Ambush! is based on historical events in ancient China: the struggle for power between the two warlords Liu Bang and Xiang Yu, the latter with his wife Yu Ji at his side.

The music for Ambush! was composed, arranged, and directed by Chen-Ming Huang, the artistic director of Chai Found Music Workshop. It features catchy melodies and experimental musical textures, shades from symphonic music, Eastern pop and folk, Western avant-garde, -even Funk and Rock. Most significantly though, Ambush! is deeply rooted in the Chinese music tradition.

Ambush! refers to historical sources, which are common knowledge among Chinese people: After the fall of the Qin Dynasty in 206 BC, a bloodthirsty 5-year war broke out between several kings, rebels, and warlords. It soon narrowed down to a conflict between the Chu under their leader Xiang Yu, and the Han under Liu Bang. Both sides had the same goal: to unify and rule China. Xiang Yu, a nobleman and miltary genius with little sense for political tactics, was feared for his impetuous character and infamous for his kindness towards women. Liu Bang, who came from a peasant family, was inferior as a soldier, but by far better in taking advice and forming coalitions with the right allies. Xiang Yu had been lucky on the battlefield at first, but his fortune turned, and the rogueries of his sly enemy finally broke his back. Yu Ji, Xiang Yu’s wife and soul mate, didn't want to thwart his flight and killed herself, but Xiang Yu decided to commit suicide together with his last men. After his opponent's death, Liu Bang became the Gaozu of Han, the first emperor of the Han Dynasty.

What lies underneath the historical events? Betrayal, deception, cruelty, brutality, but also the love and affection between Yu Ji and Xiang Yu, one of the most famous couples in Chinese history. Rather than explaining them, Ambush! tries to illustrate the story by means of music and movement. The highlight of the show is the adaption of a famous solo piece for pipa (Chinese Lute): 十面埋伏 [Shi Mian Mai Fu], which gave the production its Chinese title. It depicts the decisive battle between Xiang Yu and Liu Bang in the city of Gaixia in 202 BC.

In its original version, Ambush! was performed by 27 members of Chai Found Music Workshop. The premiere was in November 2005 and the production showed until the end of 2006 in front of sold out houses throughout Taiwan. National Taiwan Televison filmed the production on several occasions and released a DVD. A light version of the show went to the OSPF Festival in Japan in 2006.

The touring personnel consists of 20 people (15 performers, 1 artistic director, 2 tour managers, 1 lighting designer, 1 sound designer).

Ambush! is available as Audio CD Concert DVD.

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