Theater Group Criticizes Culture Ministry Over Funding; Writer Questions Framing

The theater group "Contemporary Legend" has publicly criticized Taiwan's Ministry of Culture, accusing its Cultural Exchange Department director of refusing to meet with founder Wu Hsing-kuo and questioning the allocation of only three economy-class plane tickets for their participation in the 50th-anniversary celebration of the World Shakespeare Congress in Rome.

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This hat is worn very broadly and clearly shows complete disrespect for cultural workers of other languages.

Lin Hsiu-wei, the administrative director of Contemporary Legend, initiated the criticism through a social media post. However, writer Zhu Youxun challenged this narrative, suggesting the group's claims were an exaggeration and disrespectful to cultural workers who operate in languages other than Taiwanese Hokkien. Zhu Youxun noted that Contemporary Legend has historically received substantial funding, citing their position as the recipient of the most subsidies within the "Taiwan Top" series.

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The Ministry of Culture emphasizes that all project subsidies are based on relevant guidelines and reviewed by professional committees, ensuring a professional and fair process that can withstand public scrutiny.

Netizens also weighed in, with many pointing out that Contemporary Legend had received NT$6.4 million in subsidies from the Ministry of Culture between 2011 and 2025, while the Taiwanese Hokkien opera group Ming Hwa Yuan received only NT$2 million. This comparison fueled skepticism about the group's claim that their funding issues stemmed from not performing in Taiwanese Hokkien. The Ministry of Culture responded by affirming that all subsidy applications are reviewed by professional committees according to established guidelines, ensuring a fair and transparent process.

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Contemporary Legend has consistently received significant subsidies; they should speak with a clear conscience.

Zhu Youxun further elaborated on his concerns, recalling a past incident where Contemporary Legend, which manages the Banqiao Broadcasting Station, allegedly treated writers disrespectfully during invitations for literary events. He described the group's past practices as "very disrespectful and disorganized," citing an instance where he was offered a role as a "backup" speaker after other invitees declined. Zhu Youxun shared this anecdote to caution other artists about potential future interactions with the group, suggesting a pattern of unprofessional conduct.

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This is a very disrespectful and disorganized approach to business. I've kept this screenshot for two years.