Taishin Bank Foundation for Arts and Culture

Comments on the Finalist

With inspiration from the literary classics, Chinese traditional opera has created a multitude of popular works.   And through re-creation of traditional opera aesthetics, the spirit of literary works experiences a kind of rebirth.   National Guoguang Opera Company continues to develop the classical drama, going even further by staging their new creations, thereby allowing the Taiwanese audience to simultaneously discover traditional theater and modern society while engendering infinite possibilities for dialogue.  In the reorganization of the “Golden Cangue” from the Zhang Ailing novel of the same name, as well as the careful presentation of the life scene and the brilliant performance, it is as if we are on the stage watching Zhang Ailing’s characters through another type of Beijing opera.  Collaboration and tacit understanding between writer An-chi WANG, director Hsiao-ping LEE, and principal actor Hai-min WEI, reveals the unique performance by National Guoguang Opera while preserving its literary elegance.  The entire performance of “The Golden Cangue” moves people to appreciate the enchanting experience of traditional opera in modern life.（By Committee Member Lee-peng LEE）