Spectacular demonstration performances staged by Taiwanese opera troupe Ming Hwa Yuan Oct. 21 in London gave local audiences a unique insight into Taiwanese theatrical tradition.
“I feel honored to be able to take part in cultural exchanges between Taiwan and U.K. and am confident our performance touched the hearts of locals,” said Sun Tsui-feng, Ming Hwa Yuan Arts and Cultural Group leader.
In an effort to introduce traditional Taiwanese opera, also known as “gezaixi” to Western audiences, the island’s leading art troupe held two cultural workshops at London’s prestigious drama school Rose Bruford College.
According to Sun, Ming Hwa Yuan is Taiwanese opera’s most representative theatre troupe. “We want to take this opportunity to build a cultural dialogue between the East and the West. This is just a beginning, and we hope to come back to London for a full performance in the near future,” she said.
At a reception for the troupe, Chang Siao-yue, ROC representative to the U.K., said Ming Hwa Yuan has succeeded in combining traditional and contemporary elements to make gezaixi one of the most important performing arts in Taiwan.
“I am delighted that [Ming Hwa Yuan] is now bringing its art to Europe, and am sure this event will aid in cultural dialogue and exchanges between Taiwan and UK,” Chang said.
Michael Earley, principal and CEO of Rose Bruford welcomed Ming Hwa Yuan’s cultural exchange program. ‘This is a rare opportunity for Western audience to see this glorious Asian art form outside of Taiwan,” he said. “We are grateful for the chance to have the group interact with our own young artists at the college.”
During the workshops, the group presented two of their acts—a romantic comedy “Lovebird Spears” and a martial dance “General of the Empire.” They also demonstrated a number of unique operatic poses and singing skills to help attendees learn more about Taiwan’s theatrical treasure.
Ming Hwa Yuan’s London workshops are the final date in their 10-day European tour. Prior to appearing in the U.K. capital, the troupe also appeared in Amsterdam, Berlin, Edinburgh, Prague and Vienna.(JSM)
