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๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ผ Taiwan /Good News

85-Year-Old Former Opera Star Fulfills Singing Dream with TV Actor, Passes Away Peacefully

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Outcome reported
  • An 85-year-old former Taiwanese opera performer, Lai Chun-ma, fulfilled a lifelong dream by singing with "Golden Bell" award-winning actor Chen Ya-lan.
  • The heartwarming encounter, facilitated by the Taiwan Association for Quality of Life, brought joy to Lai Chun-ma, who had been living with mobility issues and other health challenges.
  • Two months after the event, Lai Chun-ma passed away peacefully, having realized her dream and finding closure.

An 85-year-old former Taiwanese opera performer, known affectionately as Lai Chun-ma, recently fulfilled a cherished dream of singing a classic duet with "Golden Bell" award-winning actor Chen Ya-lan. The encounter, which took place during a visit organized by the Taiwan Association for Quality of Life, allowed Lai Chun-ma to relive her passion for traditional Taiwanese opera, known as 'ge zai xi'.

Lai Chun-ma, who was a vibrant 'ye tai hua dan' (outdoor stage actress) in her youth, had faced significant health challenges in her later years. A past car accident left her with mobility issues, requiring a cane to walk. She also managed diabetes, mild dementia, and moderate hearing loss, which made it difficult to perform the intricate movements of opera.

Son, you are very well-behaved now.

โ€” Lai Chun-maExpressing her satisfaction with her son's reformed behavior.

The Taiwan Association for Quality of Life has been providing Lai Chun-ma with regular support, including hearing aids, an electric mobility scooter, and essential living supplies. Their efforts also focused on increasing her social interaction through group meals and outings.

Riding a white horse...

โ€” Chen Ya-lanSinging the opening line of the classic song 'Shen Qi Bai Ma'.

The association arranged for Chen Ya-lan to visit Lai Chun-ma, where they shared a heartfelt moment singing the classic song "Riding a White Horse" (่บซ้จŽ็™ฝ้ฆฌ). The visit was part of the association's 'Smiles Are All Here' (็ฌ‘่‡‰ๆ”ๅบ•ๅฎถ) public welfare channel, which features celebrities visiting vulnerable elderly individuals. Following the singing session and a celebratory banquet with nearly 200 other seniors, Lai Chun-ma passed away peacefully two months later, having experienced immense joy and fulfillment.

Interestingly, Lai Chun-ma's son, who had previously been incarcerated, was deeply moved by the association's support for his mother during his absence. Inspired by their care and guidance, he returned to his mother's side and became a volunteer for the association, a testament to the positive impact of their work.

...walking through three passes~

โ€” Lai Chun-maResponding by singing the next line of the song.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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