To bring performing arts out of the theater and into schools, the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Taichung City Government is organizing the “Mobile Performing Arts Train” program. Hsin Yi Fang Taiwanese Opera Troupe will present the family-friendly Taiwanese opera “Mazu and Baosheng Dadi”, using a lively and engaging traditional opera performance to introduce teachers and students to Taiwan’s traditional performing arts. This year, the train will roll into coastal-area campuses from September 8 to October 22, with a total of eight school tour performances planned. Through up-close performance experiences, art becomes a cultural lesson on campus, allowing students to feel the charm of Taiwanese opera through laughter and applause.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau said the “Mobile Performing Arts Train” has connected professional performing groups with schools since 2019, bringing quality arts and cultural resources directly into students’ everyday spaces and lowering barriers to arts participation caused by transportation and location. Using Taiwan’s local opera as its medium this year, “Mazu and Baosheng Dadi” is inspired by the folk legend of “wind from Baosheng Dadi, rain from Mazu”. Through the story of Baosheng Dadi and Mazu, students can get closer to Taiwanese opera through folk beliefs and storytelling. The work also reflects early agricultural and weather observations in Taiwan: through the saying “wind from Baosheng Dadi, rain from Mazu”, early settlers vividly connected climate phenomena with two of the most revered guardian deities. As students watch the performance, they learn about traditional culture, opera aesthetics, and stories of Taiwan’s land, helping performing arts education take root at a younger age. The performance also deepens students’ impressions and is expected to serve as an artistic introduction, helping both teachers and students understand that art is closely connected to everyday life.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau further explained that, in addition to campus tours, two free public performances are also planned this year, extending the arts train from schools into the community. “Mazu and Baosheng Dadi” will be performed at Dajia Zhong Zheng Memorial Hall on October 17, with seating open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis and a total of 300 seats available. On November 8, the train will arrive at Da-An Junior High School in Taichung for the original family-friendly Taiwanese opera “Pinky Promise with the Big Bad Wolf?!”. The work cleverly blends classic fairy tales, Taiwan’s folk beliefs, and the ecology of Taiwan’s endemic species. Following the Earth God, the Earth Goddess, and the five spirit animals on a forest mystery adventure, children and adults are guided through a lighthearted and fun story to think about the relationship between people and nature. Through the experiences of different characters, they also learn to understand others, move beyond stereotypes, and feel the importance of protecting the land and the environment.

Performing arts do not exist only in professional theaters. They can also enter schools and communities, becoming a window for children to understand culture and the world. Through both campus tours and public performances, the “Mobile Performing Arts Train” hopes to continue expanding opportunities for arts participation in the coastal area. More children can begin getting close to performing arts through a single performance experience, while families and community residents can share quality arts and cultural resources.

Taichung City Seaport Art Center said that since the touring program was launched, it has received strong recognition and anticipation from coastal-area schools and parents. The program not only narrows the gap in arts and cultural resources between urban and rural areas, but also helps children learn civic knowledge through theater activities. Each year, the Center selects quality performing groups to take part, bringing new productions that are fun and educational into schools and local venues, in hopes of encouraging students to get close to and fall in love with performing arts. Residents are welcome to visit Dajia Zhong Zheng Memorial Hall on October 17 and Da-An Junior High School on November 8 to enjoy the exciting performances. Follow the Mobile Performing Arts Train and step into the colorful story world of Taiwanese opera. In addition, activities planned by Taichung City Seaport Art Center, including the Good Arts Performance Festival and the Taiwan Emerging Art Awards exhibition, are also in full swing. For event information, please visit the Center’s official website (https://tcsac.taichung.gov.tw/) or official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/@tcsac.taichung/?locale=zh_TW).