Traditional opera academician of the Academia Sinica Tseng Yong-yi (曾永義) passed away on Oct. 10 at the age of 81. Tseng devoted his life to preserving and promoting traditional theater culture through academic publications and literary creations, as well as cultural heritage preservation and international exchanges.
Minister of Culture Lee Yung-te expressed his condolences upon hearing the sad news and will apply for a posthumous presidential citation in recognition of Tseng’s dedication to pushing forward the development of traditional arts and theater.
Born in 1941, Tseng was the first academician to be selected in the field of Chinese theater arts. He published research in disciplines of Chinese opera, popular literature, phonology, folk arts, and others. Tseng also wrote scripts for Kunqu operas, Peking operas, Taiwanese operas (koa-á-hì), and Hakka operas, winning awards including the Golden Bell Awards for Best Traditional Drama, Chinese Literary Award, Golden Melody Awards for Traditional Arts and Music for Best Lyrics, and more.
With the idea of facilitating cultural export through traditional arts, Tseng pressed ahead with the exchange of performances and academic research with China, aiming to draw the attention of the young generations to traditional opera. He was awarded the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon, the National Award for Arts, and the Lifetime Contribution Award at the Golden Melody Awards for Traditional Arts and Music.
Minister Lee stated that not only did Tseng develop traditional opera studies but also create scripts that suit both refined and popular tastes for troupes at home and abroad. From the 1980s, Tseng spared no effort in preserving Taiwanese traditional theater arts, improving the social status of folk artists, and promoting contemporary Taiwanese operas. He cultivated numerous talents and strived for the development of traditional theater. Although Tseng has passed away, his contributions will be always remembered by future generations.