With group gathering restrictions set in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic now easing, various units under the Ministry of Culture have begun to resume hosting performances and theatrical events. The Taiwan Traditional Theatre Center, which is supervised by the National Center for Traditional Arts, launched its first post-restrictions show on June 28 — the exquisite Hakka drama "Bride for a Night, Wife for a Lifetime (一夜新娘一世妻)" by the Rom Shing Hakka Opera Troupe (榮興客家採茶劇團).
Minister of Culture Lee Yung-te, who was in attendance, thanked everyone on June 28 for respecting the remaining preventive measures in place despite the soaring temperatures. He also offered words of encouragement to the troupe, who are about to set out on a tour of Taiwan.
A joint presentation of the NCFTA and the Hakka Affairs Council, "Bride for a Night, Wife for a Lifetime" is adapted by renowned novelist Wang Chiung-ling (王瓊玲) from her novel "Bride for a Night (一夜新娘)." The Rom Shing Hakka Opera Troupe, which has been nominated six times for the Golden Melody Awards for Traditional Arts and Music, assisted with adapting it into Hakka. The resulting play is a showcase for the resilience of the Hakka people in the face of disaster and their tenacity in forging ahead to create new conditions and opportunities.
This is the first show being staged by the Taiwan Traditional Theatre Center since the easing of COVID-19-related restrictions, with more stunning shows on the way in July that span from Peking opera to Taiwanese opera, shadow puppetry, and indigenous music. Everyone is invited to show their support for Taiwan's art community through this veritable feast of performances.
Click here for show listings for the Taiwan Traditional Theatre Center.