The Ministry of Culture’s “Zhuangtou Theater Art Day Limited” cultural equality tour event will be held at 7 p.m. on June 8th at Liudui Memorial Park in Pingtung County, inviting the Ming Hua Yuan Drama Troupe to return to their hometown and present the classic masterpiece “Super Dazzling Legend of the White Snake,” welcoming local residents to enjoy the performance for free.
County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi stated that the Ministry of Culture’s Zhuangtou tour event invited the Ming Hua Yuan Drama Troupe back to their roots, with Sun Cuifeng leading the performance to meet the expectations of Pingtung residents. It’s a chance to witness the magical Eastern opera legend and promote cultural performances as part of daily life to achieve cultural equality. Starting from 2 p.m. that day, there will be a lively cultural and creative market with outstanding local groups such as the “Su Family Puppet Theater,” “Owl Children’s Theater Troupe,” and “Timor Ancient Dance Collective” taking turns to perform, an event not to be missed by the public.
Sun Cuifeng mentioned that “Super Dazzling Legend of the White Snake” has received recognition from domestic and international tours as a classic of international caliber. While many have heard of the play, some may have never seen it. Residents have been asking for its performance in Pingtung for a decade, and now, “Super Dazzling Legend of the White Snake” has finally come home! This hometown performance is sure to be the best presentation yet, aiming to attract 200,000 viewers.
The troupe leader, Chen Sheng-fu, explained that this play involves a three-dimensional performance, including the stage, audience seating, and aerial performances. Especially in the aerial acts where 100-ton water columns are sprayed towards the actors, creating the magnificent scene of Water Overflowing Golden Mountain, every moment must be perfectly timed. Executive Director Chen Zhao-xian added that the actors must strictly meet the requirements for emotions, roles, eye contact, and even eye angles in each scene.
The youth version of “Super Dazzling Legend of the White Snake” features Sun Cuifeng alongside her daughter Chen Zhao-ting and Chen Zhao-xian, playing White Snake at different stages. It also includes Li Yu-zhen, a direct disciple discovered by Sun Cuifeng, portraying Xu Xian, Ching Lin excelling in dance, singing, and acting as Green Snake, and the most handsome Fa Hai played by Chen Zi-hao, among others. With over 300 actors and technical staff mobilized, this production boasts a luxurious lineup that should not be missed. As the plot reaches its climax, the spectacle of Water Overflowing Golden Mountain will be recreated with the assistance of 12 fire trucks spraying water, offering a grand visual experience.
The Cultural Affairs Department of Pingtung County expressed that the unprecedentedly spectacular visual stage landscape, fantastic and dazzling stage special effects, and stimulating sound and light effects of “Super Dazzling Legend of the White Snake” have earned it the reputation of a play that “one must see at least once in a lifetime.” First performed at the National Theater in Taipei in 2004, it set a record of 50,000 viewers that year for outdoor theater performances in Asia. It has also achieved historical records of 100,000 and 150,000 audience members at the Weiwuying in Kaohsiung and the Zhongzheng Riverside Park in Yonghe, New Taipei City respectively. For performance information, please visit the Pingtung County Cultural Affairs Department’s Facebook page and official website. ◇