As the curtain fell on the Taipei Music Festival, a wide variety of colorful posters and pamphlets was distributed among the audience to announce the start of the Taipei Drama Festival. Beginning from the end of October, a series of rich and vivid dramas brought another climax to the cultural life of Taipei. The Taipei City Government allocated NT$5million (US$130,000) to sponsor the drama festival so as to promote the interflow of folk art and help people obtain a balance between their material and spiritual lives.
The Taipei Drama Festival combined traditional and modern performances. Alongside operas originating in Peiping, Szechwan, Fukien, Honan, Chekiang, Kwangtung, and Taiwan provinces, puppet and shadow puppet shows, there were modern musical, dancing and spoken dramas. As an example of unprecedented cooperation among drama circles, a total of 38 theatrical groups and some 3,000 performers were mobilized to present 46 performances in 19 different locations.
Among the first to be staged were four spoken dramas, all different in style. During the week of the performances, the National Museum of History was crowded with people of all interests and cultural levels.
Chu Han Feng Yun, a play by the famous local playwright, Lee Mang-kuei, is based on the story of how Hsiang Yu, a great general in the Chu camp, met his mistress Yu Chi, and traced his history until he committed suicide on the banks of the Wu Chiang (River) after his defeat by Liu Pang, founder of the Han Dynasty.
Yi Yun Chu Chu, or "Suspense on All Sides," is a modern drama presented by famous TV and movie stars, directed by veteran actor Ku Wen-chung. His talent in stage design and in creating atmosphere and character, together with intelligent cooperation from the actors and actresses, made this a successful performance. It won applause from the full-house audience and personal congratulations from Premier and Mrs. Y. S. Sun, and Taipei Mayor and Mrs. Lee Teng-hui.
Yu Kong Yi San, based on an old fool's attempt to move a mountain, was presented by the students of the Fu Jen Catholic University. Everything, from the choice of script, to stage design, lighting, music and make-up, was done by the students themselves. To provide a fresh insight, they gave the old legend a modern setting.
The adventures of a young fawn formed the basis of a performance by children of Peitou Primary School, which was the curtain-raiser in the children's section of the first Taipei Drama Festival. One school from each of the 16 administrative districts in Taipei entered a play in this section. With themes ranging from Peiping opera and mythology to contemporary plays, the presentations were warmly received by parents, children, teachers and students alike. The promotion of children's drama cultivates their interest in art and educates them in a way that they find fascinating.
At the same time, such traditional theatrical arts as Ko Tsai Hsi, or Taiwanese opera, puppet shows and shadow puppet shows were presented at the bandstand in the Taipei New Park. As all the performing groups are champions in nationwide competitions, the script, song, costumes, property and sound effects are all of a high standard. Ko Tsai Hsi, originating in Ilan County in northeastern Taiwan, originally consisted of music only, but scenery, actors, sound effects, costumes and facial make-up, were introduced later to depict historical events or folk legends in operatic fashion. This form is very popular in rural areas, and has become an indispensable part of any festivities in Taiwan.
In addition, five regional plays from the mainland were presented to preserve and develop the essence of traditional drama. Mainlanders from Kwangtung, Foochow, Szechwan, Shaohsing and Honan marveled at the superb performances, given at the Armed Forces Cultural Activity Center in Taipei. Peiping opera, last program to be staged, drew a large and enthusiastic audience. The First Taipei Drama Festival did not end until the two encores of the opera had been performed.
The determination of the Taipei City Government to promote cultural activities has again won the support and appreciation of the people. As an innovation in the progress of drama, however, press critics offered some suggestions to encourage creative works, such as inviting foreign theatrical groups to participate in the festival, simplifying the plots and giving more attention and time to planning. Thus, it is hoped that next year an even better festival will open a new era for Chinese drama.
[Picture Caption]
The curtain-raiser of the Taipei Drama Festival was Chu Han Feng Yun, a classical historical play based on the story of how Hsiang Yu, a great general in the Chu camp, met his mistress Yu Chi, and traced his history until he committed suicide on the banks of the Wu Chiang (River) after his defeat by Liu Pang, founder of the Han Dynasty. All the outstanding performers in Taipei were recruited to present this play. Hsiang Yu, the main character, is portrayed by Wang Cheng-liang who fully showed the general's strength and tenderness.
Opposite: Many children's plays were included in the drama festival. The colorfully costumed child actors demonstrated impressive and lively techniques, and won loud applause from the audience. Left, five regional plays from Kwang tung, Fukien, Szechwan, Chekiang and Honan provinces were presented to preserve and develop the essence of traditional drama. Pictures show performances of Shaohsing opera Paollen Deng!
Above: The visible heroes in the puppet shows were undoubtedly the exquisitely carved and colorfully adorned puppets, while the real hero was the operator with his superb techniques which can only be seen backstage. Picture shows "A Hero from Yun Chow" presented by Huang Chung-hsiung puppet theatrical troupe. By using sticks and strings to control the movements of the strongly outlined leather figures, the operator casts shadows on a cloth curtain.
Above: Originating in Ilan County, Ko Tsai Hsi or Taiwanese opera is an indispensable program in rural festivities. Recently, music, costumes, properties, scenery and make-up of Ko Tsai Hsi have been considerably improved. Picture shows a historical drama, Lu Wen-lung, being performed by the Le-sheng opera troupe. Right: An actor arranging his costume before he appears on stage.
While the programs are proceeding on stage, the scene backstage is even more busy. The stage make-up for Peiping opera is a combination of philosophy and art. There are different facial patterns for males, females and clowns, to show their different characteristics. There are definite rules for painting the face. Sometimes the old masters of make-up, sometimes the actors themselves, delineate the patterns. After being made up, the actors can put on their costumes.
Left: During the drama festival, students of the drama department of the College of Chinese Culture presented Hong Niang (Matchmaker), with Kuo Hsiao-chuang as leading singer. All the performers have received strict training in Peiping opera. During the performance, Kuo fully displayed the originality, innocence, honesty and intelligence of Hong Niang. Opposite: Students of the Fu Hsing opera school present a martial play, the "Ever Triumphant General," describing how Chao Tzu-long, a general of the Three Kingdoms period, rescues the king from danger.
The curtain-raiser of the Taipei Drama Festival was Chu Han Feng Yun, a classical historical play based on the story of how Hsiang Yu, a great general in the Chu camp, met his mistress Yu Chi, and traced his history until he committed suicide on the banks of the Wu Chiang (River) after his defeat by Liu Pang, founder of the Han Dynasty. All the outstanding performers in Taipei were recruited to present this play. Hsiang Yu, the main character, is portrayed by Wang Cheng-liang who fully showed the general's strength and tenderness.
The curtain-raiser of the Taipei Drama Festival was Chu Han Feng Yun, a classical historical play based on the story of how Hsiang Yu, a great general in the Chu camp, met his mistress Yu Chi, and traced his history until he committed suicide on the banks of the Wu Chiang (River) after his defeat by Liu Pang, founder of the Han Dynasty. All the outstanding performers in Taipei were recruited to present this play. Hsiang Yu, the main character, is portrayed by Wang Cheng-liang who fully showed the general's strength and tenderness.
Many children's plays were included in the drama festival. The colorfully costumed child actors demonstrated impressive and lively techniques, and won loud applause from the audience. Left, five regional plays from Kwang tung, Fukien, Szechwan, Chekiang and Honan provinces were presented to preserve and develop the essence of traditional drama. Pictures show performances of Shaohsing opera Paollen Deng.
Many children's plays were included in the drama festival. The colorfully costumed child actors demonstrated impressive and lively techniques, and won loud applause from the audience. Left, five regional plays from Kwang tung, Fukien, Szechwan, Chekiang and Honan provinces were presented to preserve and develop the essence of traditional drama. Pictures show performances of Shaohsing opera Paollen Deng.
Many children's plays were included in the drama festival. The colorfully costumed child actors demonstrated impressive and lively techniques, and won loud applause from the audience. Left, five regional plays from Kwang tung, Fukien, Szechwan, Chekiang and Honan provinces were presented to preserve and develop the essence of traditional drama. Pictures show performances of Shaohsing opera Paollen Deng.
Many children's plays were included in the drama festival. The colorfully costumed child actors demonstrated impressive and lively techniques, and won loud applause from the audience. Left, five regional plays from Kwang tung, Fukien, Szechwan, Chekiang and Honan provinces were presented to preserve and develop the essence of traditional drama. Pictures show performances of Shaohsing opera Paollen Deng.
The visible heroes in the puppet shows were undoubtedly the exquisitely carved and colorfully adorned puppets, while the real hero was the operator with his superb techniques which can only be seen backstage. Picture shows "A Hero from Yun Chow" presented by Huang Chung-hsiung puppet theatrical troupe. By using sticks and strings to control the movements of the strongly outlined leather figures, the operator casts shadows on a cloth curtain.
The visible heroes in the puppet shows were undoubtedly the exquisitely carved and colorfully adorned puppets, while the real hero was the operator with his superb techniques which can only be seen backstage. Picture shows "A Hero from Yun Chow" presented by Huang Chung-hsiung puppet theatrical troupe. By using sticks and strings to control the movements of the strongly outlined leather figures, the operator casts shadows on a cloth curtain.
The visible heroes in the puppet shows were undoubtedly the exquisitely carved and colorfully adorned puppets, while the real hero was the operator with his superb techniques which can only be seen backstage. Picture shows "A Hero from Yun Chow" presented by Huang Chung-hsiung puppet theatrical troupe. By using sticks and strings to control the movements of the strongly outlined leather figures, the operator casts shadows on a cloth curtain.
The visible heroes in the puppet shows were undoubtedly the exquisitely carved and colorfully adorned puppets, while the real hero was the operator with his superb techniques which can only be seen backstage. Picture shows "A Hero from Yun Chow" presented by Huang Chung-hsiung puppet theatrical troupe. By using sticks and strings to control the movements of the strongly outlined leather figures, the operator casts shadows on a cloth curtain.
The visible heroes in the puppet shows were undoubtedly the exquisitely carved and colorfully adorned puppets, while the real hero was the operator with his superb techniques which can only be seen backstage. Picture shows "A Hero from Yun Chow" presented by Huang Chung-hsiung puppet theatrical troupe. By using sticks and strings to control the movements of the strongly outlined leather figures, the operator casts shadows on a cloth curtain.
The visible heroes in the puppet shows were undoubtedly the exquisitely carved and colorfully adorned puppets, while the real hero was the operator with his superb techniques which can only be seen backstage. Picture shows "A Hero from Yun Chow" presented by Huang Chung-hsiung puppet theatrical troupe. By using sticks and strings to control the movements of the strongly outlined leather figures, the operator casts shadows on a cloth curtain.
While the programs are proceeding on stage, the scene backstage is even more busy. The stage make-up for Peiping opera is a combination of philosophy and art. There are different facial patterns for males, females and clowns, to show their different characteristics. There are definite rules for painting the face. Sometimes the old masters of make-up, sometimes the actors themselves, delineate the patterns. After being made up, the actors can put on their costumes.
During the drama festival, students of the drama department of the College of Chinese Culture presented Hong Niang （Matchmaker）, with Kuo Hsiao-chuang as leading singer. All the performers have received strict training in Peiping opera. During the performance, Kuo fully displayed the originality, innocence, honesty and intelligence of Hong Niang. Opposite: Students of the Fu Hsing opera school present a martial play, the "Ever Triumphant General," describing how Chao Tzu-long, a general of the Three Kingdoms period, rescues the king from danger.
During the drama festival, students of the drama department of the College of Chinese Culture presented Hong Niang （Matchmaker）, with Kuo Hsiao-chuang as leading singer. All the performers have received strict training in Peiping opera. During the performance, Kuo fully displayed the originality, innocence, honesty and intelligence of Hong Niang. Opposite: Students of the Fu Hsing opera school present a martial play, the "Ever Triumphant General," describing how Chao Tzu-long, a general of the Three Kingdoms period, rescues the king from danger.
During the drama festival, students of the drama department of the College of Chinese Culture presented Hong Niang （Matchmaker）, with Kuo Hsiao-chuang as leading singer. All the performers have received strict training in Peiping opera. During the performance, Kuo fully displayed the originality, innocence, honesty and intelligence of Hong Niang. Opposite: Students of the Fu Hsing opera school present a martial play, the "Ever Triumphant General," describing how Chao Tzu-long, a general of the Three Kingdoms period, rescues the king from danger.
During the drama festival, students of the drama department of the College of Chinese Culture presented Hong Niang （Matchmaker）, with Kuo Hsiao-chuang as leading singer. All the performers have received strict training in Peiping opera. During the performance, Kuo fully displayed the originality, innocence, honesty and intelligence of Hong Niang. Opposite: Students of the Fu Hsing opera school present a martial play, the "Ever Triumphant General," describing how Chao Tzu-long, a general of the Three Kingdoms period, rescues the king from danger.
During the drama festival, students of the drama department of the College of Chinese Culture presented Hong Niang （Matchmaker）, with Kuo Hsiao-chuang as leading singer. All the performers have received strict training in Peiping opera. During the performance, Kuo fully displayed the originality, innocence, honesty and intelligence of Hong Niang. Opposite: Students of the Fu Hsing opera school present a martial play, the "Ever Triumphant General," describing how Chao Tzu-long, a general of the Three Kingdoms period, rescues the king from danger.
During the drama festival, students of the drama department of the College of Chinese Culture presented Hong Niang （Matchmaker）, with Kuo Hsiao-chuang as leading singer. All the performers have received strict training in Peiping opera. During the performance, Kuo fully displayed the originality, innocence, honesty and intelligence of Hong Niang. Opposite: Students of the Fu Hsing opera school present a martial play, the "Ever Triumphant General," describing how Chao Tzu-long, a general of the Three Kingdoms period, rescues the king from danger.
During the drama festival, students of the drama department of the College of Chinese Culture presented Hong Niang （Matchmaker）, with Kuo Hsiao-chuang as leading singer. All the performers have received strict training in Peiping opera. During the performance, Kuo fully displayed the originality, innocence, honesty and intelligence of Hong Niang. Opposite: Students of the Fu Hsing opera school present a martial play, the "Ever Triumphant General," describing how Chao Tzu-long, a general of the Three Kingdoms period, rescues the king from danger.
During the drama festival, students of the drama department of the College of Chinese Culture presented Hong Niang （Matchmaker）, with Kuo Hsiao-chuang as leading singer. All the performers have received strict training in Peiping opera. During the performance, Kuo fully displayed the originality, innocence, honesty and intelligence of Hong Niang. Opposite: Students of the Fu Hsing opera school present a martial play, the "Ever Triumphant General," describing how Chao Tzu-long, a general of the Three Kingdoms period, rescues the king from danger.
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