Organized by the county government’s Cultural Bureau in conjunction with Chinese Culture University, Lanyang Opera Theater and local artists, the event aims to revitalize traditional Taiwan opera in the area. It is one of the many Yilan Evergreen Festival activities designed for senior citizens.
Drawing upon traditional figures and colorful costumes from a Taoist drama depicting fighting among the deities, the show incorporates acrobats, wushu and beiguan music as a form of live “cosplay” for the audiences.
Lin wen-chen, section chief for tourism marketing with the county government, said Sept. 25 that live scenes from the chess game will be projected on a big screen, with actors from CCU’s Chinese Drama and Martial Arts departments playing their parts respectively.
In addition, the music is to be performed by Yilan Chinese Youth Orchestra, Luna Rhythm Dance Troupe, veteran Taiwan opera singer Lee Mei-niang and beiguan master Chuang Chin-tsai.
According to Huang Yi-fen, deputy head of Lanyang Opera Theater, the show emphasizes the dramatic element in human chess. “Unlike last year, this time we will stage a dramatized game of human Chinese chess where the focal point is placed on the competition.”
The director of the show is Liu Shi-jung, a Peking Opera martial arts actor and CCU Chinese Drama Department instructor. He is widely known for playing the monkey king role, which requires a high degree of athleticism and acrobatic movements.
“Liu is the kind of director who can skillfully turn this traditional stage musical into a play filled with action,” Huang said. “He precisely controls the tempo of the show and offers a detailed step-by-step explanation to each actor on their role.
“We are truly grateful to all participants, especially the young actors and actresses who almost always stayed up until midnight rehearsing.”
Prior to the second performance, the 2014 Yilan Cup Chinese Chess Championship finalists will go head to head in a special match for devotees of the traditional game. (SSC-JSM)
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