Lai, who died in 1943, wrote literary works that expressed his sympathy for the underclass and resistance to Japanese colonial rule (1895-1945). A pioneer in writing in the vernacular, he is often hailed as the father of modern Taiwan literature.
The Lai Ho Culture Foundation preserves many items the writer used during his lifetime. (Staff photo/Chin Hung-hao)
Founded in 1995, the foundation’s modest location is no accident. The structure stands on the spot where Lai, a medical doctor by trade, used to run his busy clinic.
The organization maintains the Lai Ho Memorial Hall—a small museum displaying some of his books, manuscripts, medical notes, paintings, personal items and surgical tools. Every year since 2010, it has also held a series of events in May to celebrate the Changhua native’s life.
An audience enjoys a concert dedicated to Lai outside the former residence of fellow writer Chen Hsu-ku. (Courtesy of Lai Ho Culture Foundation)
A highlight of the month’s festivities is a string of concerts, held over three weekends, of Lai’s poems set to music. The opening performance this year was staged at the former residence of another famous scribe and fellow activist Chen Hsu-ku in Changhua’s Hemei Township.
Also popular are guided walking tours to sites that represent major events in Lai’s life. These include a police station where he was jailed by the Japanese for his political activism and places that appear in his novels.
Its activities not only honor one of Taiwan’s literary giants, but they also help bond residents with their past.
“These trips enable you to have a better understanding of the writer as well as Changhua’s contemporary history,” according to Chang Tsai-fang, the foundation’s executive secretary. “They also help locals more closely identify with their hometown.” (E) (By Oscar Chung)
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(This article is adapted from the story Age of Memories in the Sept/Oct 2018 issue of Taiwan Review. The Taiwan Review archives dating to 1951 are available online.)