Xinzhuang, once a bustling capital of traditional opera, is reviving its theatrical splendor! Organized by the New Taipei City Cultural Affairs Bureau, the "2024 Xinzhuang Good Show" will bring a series of captivating Taiwanese Opera and Glove Puppetry performances from September to November, allowing audiences to once again experience the charm of Taiwan's traditional performing arts. This event continues the lively spirit of "Art in the Alleys" and features performances by several National Treasure artists and renowned troupes, reviving the glory of Xinzhuang’s famous opera house.
The first performance by the Ming Hwa Yuan Theater Troupe, "Duke of Zhou Battles Peach Blossom Maiden," has already created a buzz at Min'an Elementary School in Xinzhuang, with many more exciting performances to come. On September 28, the Yixin Theater Troupe will present "Sun Wukong's Marriage Proposal" at the Xinzhuang Cultural and Arts Center, followed by "Ao Feng Worships the Moon: Liao Tian-Ding" by the Li Jing-Fang Taiwanese Opera Troupe on October 26. Tickets for both shows are now available on the Opentix platform—opera enthusiasts won’t want to miss these must-see performances.
Yixin Theater Troupe will perform "Sun Wukong's Marriage Proposal" on September 28 at the Xinzhuang Cultural and Arts Center Auditorium. (Photo/From New Taipei City Cultural Affairs Bureau website)
In addition to indoor performances, free outdoor glove puppetry shows will be staged at the Xinzhuang Cultural and Arts Center plaza. National Treasure puppeteer Chen Hsi-Huang and his Chen Hsi-Huang Glove Puppet Troupe will perform "The Loyalty of Yue Fei: Wang Zuo Cuts His Arm" on September 14, followed by other exciting glove puppetry performances on October 5 and November 30, allowing the public to enjoy the beauty of traditional arts anytime, anywhere.
This year’s "2024 Xinzhuang Good Show" not only invites Taiwan's most iconic traditional opera troupes but also promotes the art through various outreach activities, ensuring that more people can appreciate these cultural treasures. Director of the New Taipei City Cultural Affairs Bureau, Chang Huei-Yu, emphasized that these events aim to enhance public understanding of traditional opera and allow audiences to experience the unique beauty of Taiwanese opera through live performances.
As the Xinzhuang Cultural Center’s Glove Puppet Museum celebrates its 20th anniversary, it has curated a special exhibition led by master puppeteer Chiang Tzu-Mei and the Zhen Kuaile Glove Puppet Troupe. The exhibition, titled "RE³ Glove Puppet Special Exhibition (Recreate X Reimagine X Remake)," is open for free until March 2, 2025, providing a wonderful opportunity for the public to explore the art of glove puppetry up close.
Zhen Kuaile Glove Puppet Troupe presents the "RE³ Glove Puppet Special Exhibition," running from now until March 2, 2025. (Photo/From New Taipei City Cultural Affairs Bureau website)
For more information on the "2024 Xinzhuang Good Show," visit the Xinzhuang Cultural and Arts Center’s official website or Facebook page, or call (02) 2276-0182 ext. 322 for inquiries.
