Minister Gu praised Rom Shing Hakka Opera Troupe for their painstaking effort to unearth historical events and cultural settings with major involvement by Taiwanese Hakka and turn them into shows. This year’s Tai San Hag will integrate elements of modern theater and showcase groundbreaking musical and physical expressive methods. You won’t want to miss on this fresh Hakka experience.
Artistic director Cheng Rom-shing said that traditional opera has a myriad of vocal and physical techniques. Complemented with the film technical expertise of the show’s director, Hsueh Ju-chin, this amounts to a cross-domain, cross-cultural production in which traditional opera performers apply innovative expressive skills. Theater consultant Hsu Ya-hsiang emphasized that characters and emotions in Tai San Hag are endowed with incredible depth, certainly a milestone in the evolution of traditional Hakka opera.
Tai San Hag retells the story of intellectuals under the Japanization policy of Japan-ruled Taiwan. After returning to Taiwan from their studies abroad, they take on the mission of bringing education to remote mountain villages. Countless obstacles await: harsh living circumstances, resource scarcity, and even the Asia–Pacific War. As ethnic Taiwanese students are drafted to fight in the war, this group of teachers feel distressed and powerless, reflecting on the nation, land, family, and life. This story highlights the inestimable value of peace, prompting viewers to appreciate democracy and freedom.
The Rom Shing Hakka Opera Troupe has received 10 Golden Melody Awards for Traditional Arts and Music (GMATAM) since 2014 until today. The show is starred by top-notch performers: Su Kuo-Ching, winner of the Best Individual Performance New Show Award at the 31st GMATAM; Chen Chih-hou, winner of the Best Performer Award at the 33rd GMATAM; and Chen Si-Peng, shortlisted for the Best Individual Performance New Show Award at the 29th GMATAM. Together, they lead a cast of ten up-and-coming young performers. Not only does this ensure transmission of the art, but it also guarantees a stunning performance. Remember to save the date of July 27 or 28 to catch the show at the National Theater. For more information on tickets, please visit the National Theater and Concert Hall OPENTIX website.
