As a part of the 1982 Arts Festival, an outdoor Folk Arts Festival was held in October in Taipei's Youth Park. The program included performances of theater, folk art, and basic instruction classes. From the large crowds attending it was clear that the festival had inspired the interest of many people in traditional folk arts.
The stage design and surroundings were based on the handscroll "The City of Cathay" and everything was done in traditional style, with paper lanterns hung everywhere. On stage were performances of traditional theater, puppet shows and shadow puppet shows. It was like a trip into the past.
Folk theater has been an important part of Chinese life for thousands of years, and both outdoor and indoor performances have played a prominent role. Outdoor performances have always been regarded as the most exciting, however.
The Folk Alts Festival was divided into two parts, performance and instruction. Over four days, some of Taiwan's best actors and actresses put on eight shows of both Southern and Northern style traditional Chinese theater. The Southern style dates back to the Tang and Sung dynasties and is the most ancient form of theater still surviving in China. The Northern style is the theater most commonly seen today in Taiwan.
Instruction was given in making flour figurines, kites and lanterns, and in calligraphy, seal carving, paper cutting, Chinese knotting, and woodcarving. Professionals giving personal instruction in their specialties persuaded many people to gather around and try their hand. The instruction not only gave new vitality to folk arts which are becoming neglected in this modern age, but also opened new vistas for those who are interested in studying the subject.
The Folk Arts Festival also provided a new way to spend leisure time for the 100,000 people who attended the 4 1/2-day event. The festival created a solid foundation for the further development and preservation of folk arts.
[Picture Caption]
1. An old man performing a traditional Hakka song. 2. Almost 100,000 people came to the 4-day event. 3. Finishing touches before an opera performance.
1. Carved wooden hand puppets. 2. These puppets all represent different characters and there is a story behind every one. 5. A marionette show. 3. This man demonstrating his skill with a chien-tsu caught everyone's attention. 4. An old man enjoying a puppet show. 6. Teachers leading children through the arts fair.
1. Instruction classes were an important part of the festival. 2. This toy which has been passed down from antiquity is still new to this boy. 3. Children are enthralled with this dragon head kite made by Li Shang-po.
Almost 100,000 people came to the 4-day event.
Finishing touches before an opera performance.
Carved wooden hand puppets.
These puppets all represent different characters and there is a story behind every one.
his man demonstrating his skill with a chien-tsu caught everyone's attention.
An old man enjoying a puppet show.
Teachers leading children through the arts fair.
Instruction classes were an important part of the festival.
This toy which has been passed down from antiquity is still new to this boy.
Children are enthralled with this dragon head kite made by Li Shang-po.
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