Literature-inspired TV dramas launched by MOC

2015-03-27

A TV drama series based on classic Taiwan novels was launched March 25 by the Ministry of Culture, underscoring government efforts to promote homegrown literature and reading among the public.

“We want to attract more people to the world of literature through the increasingly popular medium of television drama,” MOC Minister Hung Meng-chi said. “By introducing outstanding literary works in this manner, we also aim to heighten awareness of the nation’s storied past.”

Spanning the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945) to the 21st century, the 10-episode “Reading Taiwan Literature” series faithfully tracks major historical and social changes. It was adapted by Rice Film International Co. Ltd. from the works of renowned writers such as Chu Tien-wen, Liao Yu-hui and Syman Rapongan.

Hung said although each of the series’ 25-minute episodes warrants praise, “Paper Boy” by late Yang Kuei is especially impressive. Based on the novelist’s life experiences, the story features a young local man leaving Taiwan to start a new life in Japan. While delivering morning newspapers, he suffers exploitation at the hands of his employer and joins co-workers in battling for better working conditions and rights.

“The episode’s theme of suppression speaks volumes about the darker side of Japanese rule,” Hung said, adding that the message still resonates today given the growing levels of social injustice in the world.

Equally noteworthy is “Vanity by Century’s End” by Chu Tien-wen, Hung said. Inspired by post-modern life in Taipei, the story portrays a model lamenting the loss of her youth and touches upon such issues as material obsession and sensual desires.

“We are confident viewers will be able to relate to the central elements of the story in a meaningful way,” he added.

Produced by seven directors, including An Je-yi, Wang Ming-tai and Wang Shau-di, the series premieres March 29 on National Geographic Channel and in April on Star Entertainment Channel and Taiwan Television Channel. In addition, 5-minute featurettes for each episode involving interviews with the writers, academics, critics and other literary luminaries are available on YouTube.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=228748&CtNode=413)