Taiwan Theatre Director's Subsidy Claims Contradicted by Public Data

A public dispute has erupted between the Legend Lin Performing Arts Theatre and Taiwan's Ministry of Culture, following accusations of inadequate support for the group's international endeavors. Lin Hsiu-wei, the theatre's administrative director, publicly criticized the ministry, alleging a lack of attention and insufficient subsidies for their international performances, particularly for a production of "Caesar the Great" in Italy.

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Does the Ministry of Culture really that poor? 25 people depart, with a million-dollar stage set and travel expenses, yet they are only willing to provide 3 economy class plane tickets?

Lin claimed that despite the production's success, her husband, Wu Hsing-kuo, the theatre's founder and a National Cultural Award winner, was denied a meeting with the Ministry of Culture's Exchange Division to discuss the tour's importance. She further alleged that for a 25-person delegation with substantial stage equipment, the ministry only provided subsidies for three economy class plane tickets. Lin questioned whether the ministry recognized the group's significance, implying their Taiwanese opera focus might be a factor: "Does the Ministry of Culture really that poor?" she asked, "Is Legend Lin Performing Arts Theatre no longer worthy of representing Taiwanese culture? Because they don't sing Taiwanese opera?"

These claims were met with strong backlash online, with many accusing Lin of fabricating a narrative of "Taiwanese opera suppression" and creating artificial cultural divisions. A music commentary page, "All Things Considered," presented public data from the National Culture and Arts Foundation, refuting Lin's assertions. The data indicated that Legend Lin Performing Arts Theatre has consistently received the highest subsidies among "Taiwan Top" performing arts groups in the opera category for the past two years, with annual subsidies of NT$6.4 million each.

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Is Legend Lin Performing Arts Theatre no longer worthy of representing Taiwanese culture? Because they don't sing Taiwanese opera?

"The numbers speak for themselves," the commentary page stated, highlighting that the theatre's subsidies exceeded those of other top-funded groups. Regarding the alleged refusal of a meeting, the Ministry of Culture stated there might have been a "misunderstanding in communication" and expressed willingness to communicate further with Lin. The ministry reiterated its commitment to open dialogue with all performing arts groups and its officials' regular engagement with various cultural organizations.

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The numbers speak for themselves. From the perspective of subsidies in the 'Taiwan Top' program, Legend Lin Performing Arts Theatre has definitely been the top recipient in the opera category for these two years.