Ya-yin to stage operas in new innovative style The Ya-yin Ensemble, the only popular Chinese opera troupe appealing to the young, will have its first opera season this year between Aug. 15 and 19 at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. “Madam Han,’ a play depicting a singsong girl Liang Huang-yu and a chivalrous hero Han Shih-chung battling together against the troops of the Tunguistic Dynasty of Chin in the Sung Dynasty, will be featured in the series from Aug. 15 to 18. Another hit “Matchmaker” (Hung Niang) will be staged on Aug. 19. Peking opera is unique Chinese heritage. Yet this valuable art is declining since it can not coincide with the fast rhythm of modern society. Contemporary people, especially teenagers, prefer disco and pop music to this traditional legacy. As a consequence, Chinese opera is fading out. But the Ya-yin Ensemble organized in 1979 by Miss Kuo Hsiao-chuang is retrieving the hopeless situation and bringing a shining future for the withered treasure. “Peking Opera itself is a treasure house. It mixes body language, dancing and singing,” Miss Kuo said, who has been in this field for 25 years. She infused many new ideas into the art, noting that “We should work together to cultivate and to enrich it instead of cornering it.” The latest play “Madam Han” has several innovations in it. Innovation “I hope such changes will draw more fans to join us.” Kuo said. In addition to Kuo, the play gathers all-star opera giants such as Tsao Fu-yung, Yeh Fu-jen, Wu Chien-hung and Ma Chia-ling. After winding up the Taipei series, the troupe will make its first voyage to Taichung and Kaohsiung where they will appear on stage on Aug. 22 at the Chunghsing Hall and on Aug. 25 at the Chung Cheng Cultural Center. Tickets are available at the Kung Hsueh She and Caves Bookstore. |
