Taiwanese Netizen Organizes Opera Performances to 'Teach Zhao Jianming How to Be a Person'

A provocative series of traditional puppet and opera performances is set to take place in Tainan, Taiwan, with the explicit aim of "teaching Zhao Jianming how to be a person." The initiative, spearheaded by a netizen who believes Zhao's actions have crossed a line, targets his recent divorce from Chen Hsing-yu, the daughter of former President Chen Shui-bian.

The four-day event, scheduled from September 18 to 21, will feature prominent troupes including the Ancient Capital Puppet Troupe, Hsiu Hua Yuan Opera Troupe, Chun Mei Opera Troupe, and Ming Hwa Yuan Tian Zi Troupe. The performances are designed as a public critique, with titles like "Bao Gong Executes the驸马" (referring to a historical case of a corrupt royal son-in-law), "The Heartless Man," and "Lang Xin, Lang Xin" (meaning "Heartless Heart").

The organizer, identified as a Tainan resident, expressed strong disapproval of Zhao Jianming's conduct, viewing his divorce as an affront to Taiwanese values. The performances are intended to serve as a public shaming and a lesson in proper behavior. While the exact venue is yet to be announced, it is confirmed to be in the Zhongxi District of Tainan, where Zhao Jianming's clinic is located.

This unusual public display highlights deep-seated cultural sentiments and the power of online mobilization in Taiwan. The choice of traditional opera forms to convey a modern-day social critique adds a unique layer to the unfolding drama, turning a personal matter into a public spectacle with artistic and moral commentary.