Lead Actress Collapses on Stage from Seizure; Troupe's 5-Minute Replacement Saves Show

A dramatic incident occurred during a performance of "The Little Rogues" by the Ming Hwa Yuan Chinese Opera Company in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Chen Zhaoting, the lead actress and eldest daughter of renowned opera star Sun Tsui-feng, suffered a sudden epileptic seizure on stage and collapsed.

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Yesterday really scared everyone, I'm sorry, and thank you to every friend who cares about me, I have received all your blessings.

The performance, which had been postponed due to Typhoon Bailu, was underway when the emergency struck. The troupe, however, demonstrated remarkable cohesion and professionalism. Within an astonishing five minutes, other performers seamlessly stepped in to cover Chen's role, ensuring the play continued without missing a beat.

The following day, coincidentally Chen Zhaoting's birthday, she posted a message on Facebook to reassure her fans and friends. Having been discharged from the hospital and returned home, she expressed her apologies for causing alarm and conveyed her deep gratitude to her fellow performers. She specifically thanked colleagues for their quick thinking and flawless execution, highlighting the invaluable camaraderie within the Ming Hwa Yuan troupe.

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The seizure happened suddenly during the performance, which was something I did not expect at all. At that moment, my biggest concern was the performance on stage.

Chen recounted that the seizure was completely unexpected. Her primary concern during the incident was the continuation of the performance. She also extended her thanks to the Hsinchu City government, the organizers, and the Fu Mei Temple for their immediate assistance in getting her to the hospital and for their subsequent care.

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I am very grateful to all the partners of Ming Hwa Yuan for their immediate mutual support and perfect接住 (catching up), so that "The Little Rogues" did not stop because of this.

Reflecting on the experience, Chen shared her birthday wish: a simple but profound desire for health and peace for herself and her loved ones. She promised to return to the stage after recovering and regaining her strength, a sentiment echoed by the outpouring of supportive messages from fans wishing her a speedy recovery.

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Especially thank you to Chen Ling's sister-in-law, Xiao Yuan, Xuan Lin, and all the partners in front of and behind the scenes, who completed the performance calmly in the face of danger. This is our most precious tacit understanding in Ming Hwa Yuan. No matter what unexpected situation arises, we will guard the stage together.