Zuoying Hall revived as performing arts hub

2014-09-05

Taiwan Xiqu Center, the national home for the development of traditional operas, has acquired a southern base in Kaohsiung City after taking over the navy’s disused Zhongshan Hall, according to the Ministry of Culture Sept. 3.

Completed in 1951, the designated historic building was an integral part of life on the Zuoying naval base, screening films and staging plays for military personnel and civilians until it ceased operations at year-end 1999.

“We are extremely grateful to the Ministry of National Defense for its generosity in bestowing this historic property without compensation for the advancement of art and culture,” MOC Minister Lung Ying-tai said at the handover ceremony. “It will be transformed into a hub for traditional performance arts to enliven the local scene.”

“Xiqu” is the Mandarin word for traditional opera and underscores Taiwan’s cultural diversity, Lung said, adding that the MOC has earmarked NT$280 million (US$9.4 million) for renovations of the hall set for completion in 2017.

The facility will then serve as the southern arm of TXC, complementing the recently launched Shilin headquarters in Taipei City in the preservation and promotion of Taiwan’s classic performance arts. These include glove puppet theater and marionette shows, in addition to Bangzi, Peking and Taiwan operas.

Local divas Wang Hai-ling, dubbed "Queen of Bangzi," and Peking opera singer Wei Hai-min appeared at the ceremony. Both artists made their stage debut at the hall.

“Watching movies and performances at Zhongshan Hall is a shared memory treasured by all members of the navy base and local community over the past 60 years,” said Zuoying native Wang, who was born and raised in a navy family. “The hall will be reborn and pass on the heritage of the traditional arts to future generations.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=221338&CtNode=413)