Chinese Name: 林炳煥
Born: 1927
Died: March 21, 2017
Birthplace: Pingtung County (Southern Taiwan)
Acclaimed as the national treasure of Hakka performing artist, Lin Bing-huan was a representative figure of Hakka “Tsod’ Ba’ Hi^ (撮把戲),” a form of folk drama that is traditionally performed on the street. With a performing arts career spanning for 69 years, Lin had also actively promoted Hakka culture and language. He was honored the Hakka Contribution Award in 2017 for his lifelong dedication to Hakka cultural development.
Before becoming a Hakka performing artist, Lin used to serve as the bodyguard for officers. However, he was jailed for six months for getting involved in the February 28 Incident in 1947. After releasing from the prison, Lin decided to work as a performing artist and made his performance debut in the Hakka township of Neipu.
“Tsod’ Ba’ Hi^,” which was introduced to Taiwan by Hakka people from Fujian Province in the 17th century, is a traditional Hakka outdoor performance that combines narrative and singing. Taking its content from Hakka Tea-Picking Opera, “Tsod’ Ba’ Hi^” also integrates comedy, Hakka drum & dance, mountain songs, and juggling elements to embellish the performance.
Over years of learning and practicing, Lin had acquired skills of Hakka instrumental music of eight sounds (bayin), Hakka drama, and juggling. He incorporated these skills with Hakka slangs and jingling rhymes into his performances, elevating the traditional performing art form to a new level.
Lin was most celebrated for his role-playing, which varied from men, women, children and elders to animals. He had portrayed numerous roles vividly through his dynamic facial expressions and voices. During the 1950s to 1960s, Lin became a well-known figure and was invited to record Hakka radio drama and songs for his outstanding performing skills.
In addition to performing arts, Lin had been an activist in Hakka movement. In 1988, he volunteered to play a clown in the “Restoring Mother Tongue” parade to promote Hakka language and encourage the public the engage in Hakka affairs. Lin also made the cover of the The Hakka Monthly (客家風雲雜誌) that year.
As “Tsod’ Ba’ Hi^” had gradually declined following the emergence of TV dramas and shows, Lin also endeavored to pass on the traditional Hakka performing arts forms, and cultivated nearly 100 talents.
Before passing away at the age of 91, Lin had continued to perform across Taiwan upon every invitation even in his late 80s. He hoped not only to bring happiness to the audiences but also promote Hakka culture and sprit through his performances.