Place: Chaochow Township, Pingtung County.

Time: October 29, 1989.

Program: The Ming Hwa troupe's 60th anniversary and the 80th birthday of its former director.

Three generations of one family, who have played beggars, generals, kings, scholars, and ladies on the stage, all kneel at the command to "kowtow." Taking off their makeup and costumes, and wearing suits, Ming Hwa Yuan, which usually performs for the entertainment of others, is this time holding a birthday party for the family patriarch.

No one is happier than the old gent having the birthday. The founder and former director of the Ming Hwa Taiwanese opera troupe, Chen Ming-chi, is seated high in the master's chair, laughing from start to finish as he accepts the good wishes of the guests. Children and grandchildren come and go, busy taking photographs. Reporters make a circle around him. Friends, relatives, local notables, legislators, and scholars have all come to pay their respects.

The third oldest in the Chen family, Chen Sheng-fu, who is currently responsible for the day to day affairs of the troupe, points out that in its founding period Ming Hwa Yuan had 20 to 30 main staff. As its activities expanded, by the time it performed at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in 1984, personnel had increased to 60, and two troupes could be organized. Today, adding up all the major and minor personnel in the troupe, the number is 156. Aside from being organized into one major troupe and two minor troupes, when necessary they can bring in moonlighters to make five teams to perform in different places at the same time.

Their concept of innovation can be said to come from Chen Ming-chi. If today Ming Hwa Yuan is often praised for its exciting performances, sound structure, and skill at using the stage, the original concepts mostly come from the old patriarch.

Chen Sheng-fu recalls that when his father was young, he "stole" the idea of using moving scenery from Fukienese opera and the movies. This was the earliest use of this technique in Taiwanese opera anywhere in the province. What the children of the family have been hearing since they were small is that "Times change, and opera should be out ahead of the trends."

As for how to go, Chen Ming-chi doesn't clearly say or interfere. However, there can be no doubt that his way of thinking is honored among his children and grand-children.

For example, the fourth oldest, Sheng-kuo, who is responsible for editing and directing, has come to Taipei to observe the methods of film directors and editors, and has very naturally used these in the dramas. The fifth eldest son Sheng-tzai, who handles comic roles and actor training, has also come north to visit the Lukwang Peking Opera troupe to study the gestures and practice martial arts. The Lan Ling Theatrical Workshop instructed Ming Hwa Yuan in their psychological processes and body language, which have imperceptibly crept into performances. Costumes, props, and lighting all seem to reveal the influence of modern drama.

Since winning a province wide Taiwanese opera competition in 1982, and performing at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in 1984, over the past five years, the company has tried more than ten different dramas. Aside from changes in the plots, Ming Hwa Yuan also tries new things in every performance. Thus in one performance they integrated popular marriage customs; in another they doubled up on some of the traditional roles; recast another play from an ancient to a modern setting.

"Leaving out for now the artistic success, their determination and experimentation on stage makes people really respect them," says one person from the arts world.

Accomplishments on stage have helped the members of the family grow. Five years ago, Sheng-fu was a bit embarrassed in front of a reporter; today he easily discourses on the direction of the company, how traditional dramas can be developed, and even how business and culture can be brought together. His wife, who could not sing even a line when she entered the troupe eight years ago, can now do several roles and martial arts acrobatics. And "the last bachelor," fifth eldest Sheng-tzai, has married and has a son; his new life experience gives his comic roles more depth.

What hasn't changed are family rules and cohesiveness: "No smoking, no drinking, not even chess," says Chen Ming-chi. The rules are still strictly respected by the Ming Hwa Yuan family. However, the seven sons are teaching their sons and daughters, "Study first, drama later." "Ming Hwa Yuan has no 'stars,'" explains Sheng-fu. Even general manager Sheng-fu gets to moving scenery when the performance is on.

Currently Ming Hwa Yuan's focus is on passing on the traditions. From three years ago, they began recruiting students. "Over 100 signed up, 20 or so passed the exam, and only 6 or 7 hang on," says Sheng-tzai. You can see both Ming Hwa's appeal and the difficulty of studying Taiwanese opera in these figures. The company has been holding a series of lectures in nearby schools. They also recently cooperated in a production with Lukwang Peking Opera troupe.

Chen Shen-fu's greatest desire is to open a Taiwanese opera school. This is the long- range goal of the Ming Hwa family. Then the work of Taiwanese opera can last for quite a few 60-year stretches.

[Picture Caption]

A Ming Hwa Yuan family portrait--incredible!

Raising incense to the ancestors of Taiwanese opera was one of the opening acts of the birthday celebration. Leading the group is 80-year-old Chen Ming-chi.

The "good brothers" of Ming Hwa Yuan--the Lukwang Peking Opera troupe--came to lend a hand.

The Pa-chia-chiang, or Eight Family General, is a traditional ceremony to exorcise evil spirits. The team that exhibits the most folk flavor wins the most applause.

Groups for the quiet arts of making dough figures, sugar figurines, or Chinese knots reflect the glory of Ming Hwa Yuan's more dynamic performance.

The performance at the birthday celebration.

Raising incense to the ancestors of Taiwanese opera was one of the opening acts of the birthday celebration. Leading the group is 80-year-old Chen Ming-chi.

The "good brothers" of Ming Hwa Yuan--the Lukwang Peking Opera troupe--came to lend a hand.

The Pa-chia-chiang, or Eight Family General, is a traditional ceremony to exorcise evil spirits. The team that exhibits the most folk flavor wins the most applause.

The performance at the birthday celebration.

Groups for the quiet arts of making dough figures, sugar figurines, or Chinese knots reflect the glory of Ming Hwa Yuan's more dynamic performance.