Cultural Worker Becomes 'Canal Grandpa' for Nostalgic Kamishibai Storytelling

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Tainan Canal's opening, a unique cultural initiative is bringing the waterway's history to life. Cultural worker Chen Wen-yen has adopted the persona of 'Canal Grandpa' ('Yunhe Agong') to share nostalgic tales using the traditional 'kamishibai' (paper play) performance art.

The Tainan Public Library is hosting a series of 'Mang-hua bàng-gà Taiwanese Story House' events from June to October. Through these events, Chen Wen-yen, as 'Canal Grandpa,' guides audiences through the Tainan Canal's century-long development. Participants who complete the sessions receive cultural points from the Ministry of Culture, encouraging engagement with local heritage.

Kamishibai, which flourished in Japan in the 1920s, involves a performer using a specially designed wooden box as a stage. The performance unfolds through a series of illustrated cards, with the storyteller using vivid vocalizations, expressions, and props to immerse the audience in the narrative. The Tainan Canal opened in 1926, coinciding with the peak popularity of kamishibai, making this a fitting artistic choice.

This project combines the canal's centennial with kamishibai and original Taiwanese Hokkien stories. The goal is to deepen public understanding of the Tainan Canal's historical and cultural significance while simultaneously fostering interest in learning and using the Taiwanese Hokkien language. 'Canal Grandpa' previously appeared during World Book Day, receiving positive feedback from families, and the program has since expanded to 30 sessions across various Tainan libraries, featuring a specially adapted kamishibai stage adorned with Taiwanese elements.