The Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company presented Heavenly Gates at Kaohsiung’s Zhongshan Hall on the 22nd of this month. The Dan role of “Guiying Mu” was portrayed by Chia-Chien Liu, a second-year student in the Continuing Education Program of Visual Communication Design at Cheng Shiu University. Based on Yang’s Saga, the play highlights four captivating segments of Guiying Mu’s story: Descending the Mountain, Choosing a Husband, Executing Her Own Son, and Breaking Through Heavenly Gates. This performance is also part of the classic tradition inheritance project under Yuju Opera diva, Hai-Ling Wang.

Cheng Shiu University, rooted in engineering sciences, has cultivated many talents across various fields. The honored guest for the first episode of the 2024 Higher Education Sprout New Media Communication Cross-Disciplinary Talent Cultivation Project: the Excellence at Cheng Shiu Podcast Show was the renowned mid-career performer Chia-Chien Liu. She shared her experiences on “The Life of Learning Behind the Yuju Opera” during the show. This exciting interview was featured in the Excellence at Cheng Shiu Podcast. Click the link below for more details.

Chia-Chien Liu graduated from the National Taiwan College of Performing Arts, where she majored in Taiwanese Opera, specializing in the Dan role. Her passion for Taiwanese Opera began in elementary school when she participated in performances with the Taiwanese Opera. These experiences inspired her to pursue formal training at the National Taiwan College of Performing Arts. She enrolled in the Department of Visual Communication Design at Cheng Shiu University. With a broad range of interests, Chia-Chien has studied various performance arts, including Japanese dance, classical dance, and martial arts, building a strong foundation for her traditional opera performances. Chia-Chien expressed that her decision to study in the Visual Communication Design Department at Cheng Shiu University stems from her desire to attract a younger audience to Yuju Opera by incorporating new media technologies into the art form.

Yuju Opera diva Hai-Ling Wang currently serves as a visiting art director of the Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company and previously held the position of interim troupe leader. She is also Chia-Chien Liu’s enlightenment teacher. Chia-Chien shared that before officially joining the Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company, she would attend lectures and pre-show introduction activities organized by the company, deepening her knowledge and understanding of Yuju Opera. Her eventual entry into the Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company came after being recommended by her teacher, Fu-Chang Yuan, from the National Taiwan College of Performing Arts, leading her to audition and join the troupe.

The Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company’s 2024 Fall Performance – Hai-Ling Wang’s Classic Tradition Inheritance Project – featured three classic plays in September, including Cosmos Sword, Golden Panther, and Heavenly Gates. Young Bangzi Opera performers took the lead during the performance, reinterpreting these iconic roles. This allowed emerging and mid-career performers to hone their acting skills through live stage practice, offering audiences a refreshing new experience of traditional classics.

The Heavenly Gates performance is based on the story of Yang’s Saga. Portraying the role of Guiying Mu, Chia-Chien Liu brings to life a character who excels in managing household affairs, stepping onto the battlefield, and taking on responsibilities in times of crisis. She embodies a strong, capable woman. Chia-Chien Liu teamed up with Shu-Ying Wu, playing Zong-bao Yang and is of a similar age to Liu. Together, they present a fresh, captivating dynamic, particularly during the playful, flirtatious scenes, while showcasing confidence and charisma. The performance is held at Zhongzheng Hall in Kaohsiung. Tickets are available for purchase online through the OPENTIX system or by contacting the Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company at 07-5828753, Ext. 12.