DistantNews
Support us
๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ผ Taiwan /Culture & Society

Taiwanese opera troupe accepts art festival invitation, emphasizes apolitical stance

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Chun Mei Opera Troupe has accepted an invitation to perform at the "Quashing Mei Art Festival."
  • The troupe's deputy director, Sun Kai-lin, stated they are ready to perform if a script is available.
  • The festival and the troupe's participation are framed as a celebration of traditional arts, separate from political considerations.

The renowned Chun Mei Opera Troupe has accepted an invitation to perform at the "Quashing Mei Art Festival," an event that has garnered attention partly due to its association with a high-profile divorce case. Sun Kai-lin, the deputy director of the troupe, made a bold declaration on social media, affirming their readiness to participate: "Do we have time? Yes. Do we have a script? Yes. Okay, then let's perform."

Do we have time? Yes. Do we have a script? Yes. Okay, then let's perform.

โ€” Sun Kai-linSun Kai-lin, deputy director of the Chun Mei Opera Troupe, confidently accepts the invitation to perform at the art festival.

The troupe is scheduled to present the classic drama "Chen Shimei Rejects His Wife" on September 20 in Tainan. This performance is part of the "Quashing Mei Art Festival," an event initiated by netizens. Sun Kai-lin emphasized the troupe's honor in being invited and their willingness to accept performance opportunities to promote traditional culture and expand the audience for traditional opera. "For the Chun Mei Opera Troupe, it's that simple," she stated, highlighting their commitment to seizing any chance to promote Gezaixi (Taiwanese opera).

First of all, it is a great honor to be invited to perform... For traditional performing artists, we are very willing to accept invitations to perform from all parties, promote traditional culture, and expand the audience for traditional opera, so any opportunity that allows us to promote Gezaixi, we will cherish and be grateful for.

โ€” Sun Kai-linSun Kai-lin expresses the troupe's enthusiasm for performing and promoting traditional Taiwanese opera.

Sun Kai-lin further clarified the troupe's position, stating that their artistic endeavors are not tied to political stances. She mentioned past interactions with political figures, including photos with former President Chen Shui-bian's mother and former President Ma Ying-jeou, emphasizing that their performances serve all audiences worldwide, regardless of nationality, gender, or age. She expressed particular enthusiasm for "anti-villain" plays like "Chen Shimei Rejects His Wife," appreciating the complex character portrayals that challenge performers. The troupe invites everyone to attend the performance on September 20.

We have done promotional events, my mother took a photo with Ah Bian many years ago, and there are also photos with Ma Ying-jeou. We do not perform based on any political stance; we serve all audiences, from all over the world, regardless of nationality, gender, or age, with gratitude.

โ€” Sun Kai-linSun Kai-lin clarifies that the troupe's performances are apolitical and aimed at serving a diverse audience.
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.