Chen Sheng (陳剩), a preserver of Taiwanese opera in Taipei City, passed away on Dec. 31 at the age of 92. Upon hearing this news, Minister of Culture Li Yuan expressed his condolences, commending Chen Sheng for her lifelong dedication to Taiwanese opera, an intangible cultural heritage unique to Taiwan.
Born in 1933 in Xinzhuang District (新莊區), New Taipei City, Chen Sheng was a renowned Taiwanese opera performer whose career began under the guidance of her adoptive father, Cheng Chuan-lai (鄭傳來), and his opera troupe Yung Le Yuan (永樂園). At the age of 17, she rose to prominence as the troupe’s lead performer, actively participating in outdoor performances. Having collaborated with several opera troupes in the country, she was known for her versatility. She masterfully played diverse roles and gained acclaim for her performances in productions such as “The Pull of Filial Piety and Righteousness (斬經堂),” “Butterfly Lovers (山伯英台),” and “The Red Robe (大紅袍).”
The Ministry of Culture emphasized Chen Sheng’s unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting Taiwanese opera through education and performances, bringing the art form to a broader audience. Her contributions were instrumental in safeguarding Taipei City’s intangible cultural heritage. In recognition of her achievements, Chen received the National Heritage Award from the Ministry of Education in 1994 and was honored as a preserver of Taiwanese opera by the Taipei City Government in 2008.
(Photo credit: Liao, Chiung-chih Taiwanese Opera Foundation For Culture and Education)