Ming Hwa Yuan stages anniversary island shows

2014-10-03

Taiwan opera company Ming Hwa Yuan Arts and Cultural Group is marking its 85th anniversary with a series of first ever Taitung County island shows off the east coast of Taiwan.

The first took place Oct. 1 on Green Island, with the second set to kick off Oct. 6 on Orchid Island, or Lanyu. After the second show, Ming Hwa Yuan will have performed on all of Taiwan’s major islands.

Ming Hwa Yuan President Chen Sheng-fu said the company braved surging waves and overcame a variety of challenges during its two-day trip to Green Island. “The performance symbolizes our determination to raise awareness of local opera among those in the more remote parts of Taiwan.”

According to Chen, the 90-minute play was staged free of charge and featured classic romantic comedy “Lovebird Spears” and martial drama “General of the Empire.” A total of 26 performers took part, including renowned actresses Lee Yu-chen and Sun Tsui-feng, as well as the troupe’s third-generation artists such as Chen Chao-ting.

“A special session was also staged in which Sun explained the intricacies of opera acting skills,” Chen said, adding that the event attracted a 1,200-strong audience made up of locals and visitors from Taiwan proper.

Chen said the Lanyu trip will feature the same lineup of shows and activities. “One difference is the inclusion of Tao aboriginal actors and actresses in the cast. We are confident this gesture will see the performance warmly welcomed by the residents of Lanyu.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=222344&CtNode=413)