From Oct. 1 through 3, the abridged version of the show took place at Kaohsiung Cultural Center. In response to the slowdown of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kaohsiung City Government added two more performances, which included a total of 2,600 seats, in addition to the original number of performances for the three-day event.
A press conference to promote the Hakka theater was held on Oct. 1, attended by HAC Deputy Minister Chung Kung-chao (鍾孔炤), MOC Deputy Minister Hsiao Tsung-huang (蕭宗煌), and Kaohsiung City Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁).
The stage show “Rain Horse” features Hakka music, fire dance, stunts, and special effects, and the almost-four-story-high and 10-meter-long giant blue horse with rainbow mane and tail has been the biggest theatrical installation design in Taiwan in a decade.
HAC Deputy Minister Chung said that “Rain Horse” integrates the Hakka language into the drama, allowing young audience to learn the ethnic language while watching the show.
Inspired by the traditional craft of Hakka blue indigo dye and the pattern of Hakka floral fabric that symbolizes festivity and prosperity, the design of the blue horse statue presents Hakka people’s collective memories with modern fashion, Chung said.
The Deputy Minister also mentioned that the Kaohsiung City Government has invited about 400 students of elementary schools with Hakka language immersion programs in Hakka districts including Meinong and Liouguei to attend the performance.
MOC Deputy Minister Hsiao noted the fact that the in-person performance of the Hakka theater will take place during the pandemic manifests the concerted efforts made by all Taiwanese people to successfully curb the spread of the disease. He added that, dedicated to Taiwan, “Rain Horse” conveys a blessing to children around the world that the pandemic will end soon.
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen said that, with the audience’s keen anticipation, his team decided to increase the number of the performance under the principle of observing the epidemic prevention regulations. He calls for the audience to abide by the preventive measures while enjoying the high-quality cultural event.