Tsai Yen-yen's harrowing 31-hour labor mirrors on-screen childbirth crisis

In the historical drama "Islands Under the Starry Sky," actress Tsai Yen-yen delivers a powerful performance as Mrs. Xiao, a woman facing a life-threatening childbirth crisis. This dramatic turn of events is not just a personal ordeal for her character but also a crucial turning point for the establishment of the island's medical clinic. The series, which began airing on May 10th, transports viewers to the challenging environment of Green Island in the 1950s.

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The character Mrs. Xiao fell asleep after being anesthetized, but I was in labor for 31 hours before giving birth.

Tsai Yen-yen, a mother in real life, drew from her own experiences to portray the character's struggle. While her character is eventually anesthetized, Tsai recalled her own 31-hour labor without anesthesia, a testament to her dedication to portraying the raw intensity of the scene. She emphasized the delicate balance required to convey the character's transition from conscious agony to unconsciousness within a short span, ensuring both realism and dramatic impact.

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I finally can sleep!

Beyond the intense labor scene, Mrs. Xiao is also depicted as a passionate Peking opera enthusiast. Tsai Yen-yen embraced the challenge of performing as a "laosheng" (older male role) in traditional opera, a departure from her usual vocal style. Initially anxious about mastering the unique vocal techniques and melodies, she immersed herself in practice, eventually achieving a performance that earned high praise from Peking opera master Liu Huati, who playfully suggested she consider a career change.

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The most difficult part was not the shouting, but grasping the layered transition from 'conscious screaming, becoming weak, and finally losing consciousness due to anesthesia.'

The drama itself focuses on a group of young doctors imprisoned for their political beliefs who are tasked with establishing a medical clinic on the sparsely populated Green Island. Their resilience and medical expertise in the face of adversity are central to the narrative. The series boasts a star-studded cast, including Wang Shih-hsien, Joseph Cheng, Huang Ho, Wu Nien-hsuan, and Hsia Teng-hung, all contributing to a compelling portrayal of survival and transformation in a harsh environment. The show aims to shed light on the lives of these individuals, known as "the reborn," and their efforts to bring change to a barren land.

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You can quit acting and switch to singing laosheng.