Taiwan Today

To mark next year's 80th anniversary of Ming Hwa Yuan--Taiwan's premier opera company--the group set off on a world tour Sept. 6 that will take in more than 20 countries, including Australia, France, Japan, Russia and South Africa. Troupe leader Chen Sheng-fu explained that it is his career and responsibility to let the world know about Taiwan's traditional theatre. "Outside Asia, few people know about Taiwanese opera," Chen pointed out, "and it is time to show its beauty to foreign audiences." In the past, MHY's large crew and enormous quantity of props often put off foreign theaters that had expressed interest in hosting the group. Cultural and linguistic issues also proved to be barriers. To overcome these difficulties, Chen said the group invited foreign representatives to take in MHY's performances and spent considerable time producing subtitles in local languages that can be displayed on monitors during the shows. Chen estimated that the tour would cost approximately US$9.4 million. "One third of the cost will be shouldered by the visiting countries, with the balance being met by ticket sales and donations." MHY will take three of its most famous pieces based on folk tales abroad. "These three stories are easy to understand, and the glitzy stage effect has always proven to be a big hits with audiences." At the group's first stop in Singapore, the tour got off to a good start with 2,000 people packing the theater. The audience's passion was infectious and inspired the cast and crew who took 23 curtain calls in response to the applause. More than 800 fans of the lead actress, Sun Tsui-feng, were eager to shake hands with the legendary performer. Chen said that "No matter whether one is performing in front of a temple or in a luxurious theatre, we have as only one standard--perfection."