Sponsored by Taichung City Government, the Ming Hua Yuan theater company is presenting a special play for the 2013 International Taichung Mazu Festival. "Mazu", an outdoor performance combining drama, music, dance, martial arts and stunts, will take place on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the intersection of Henan Road and Shizheng Road, and on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Taiping District Sports Center (99, ZhongXing East Road, Taiping District).
The goddess Mazu (Matsu) is worshiped along the southeastern Chinese coastline and in other regions such as Okinawa and Korea. Mazu's influence has expanded from Meizhou, Fujian province over hundreds of years to become one of the largest religious cultures in the world. According to legend, before she was diefied, Mazu was born in Fujian and named Lin Monian. In Chinese, "mo" means "silence", as she was a rather quiet baby when she was born.
Traditional Taiwanese opera is often affiliated with religious events and the main income source for theater groups is often temple events. Thus, opera actors and staff members always show deep respect to the gods and goddesses. When creating this new "Mazu" production, Ming Hua Yuan theater company writers tried to express their tremendous gratitude and spent several months preparing content and the production to ensure that audiences would sense that thankfulness towards Mazu. In addition, this play will also serve as the group's annual performance, celebrating its 85th anniversary.
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