Comprehensive Social Skills Test(2022)
Comprehensive Social Skills Test is our second exploration of similar themes, building on the absurd humor of The Glamorous Life of Misaki Nanako. This iteration reimagines the concept as a "listening comprehension scenario test," a format reminiscent of the structured exam culture within the Taiwanese education system. We conducted two sessions, inviting participants to navigate pre-recorded social scenarios and find their way through complex interactions.

Compared to its predecessor, Comprehensive Social Skills Test delves deeper into the unhealthy peer dynamics often found in Taiwanese art schools. By framing moments of awkwardness and discomfort within these competitive and hierarchical environments, the piece transforms them into a form of dark humor that highlights the unique social pressures of this system.

The protagonist, Wanda, encounters a series of challenges that reflect the social nuances of the Taiwanese art school experience: competing with self-assured classmates over interpretations of art theory, showcasing her sophistication to high school peers in reunion-like settings, critiquing the works of insecure classmates, strategizing with students from other disciplines to navigate collaborative projects, and deciding whether to show genuine sincerity in front of overly serious peers.

By embedding the familiar rigidity of Taiwan's test-taking culture into the narrative structure, Comprehensive Social Skills Test critiques the intricate and often oppressive social expectations within this framework. It reframes these struggles with sharp wit and a critical lens, inviting reflection on the complexities of interpersonal relationships in a highly competitive environment.