The 2025 Taichung Traditional Arts Touring Performances, jointly organized by the Taichung City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Taichung Culture & Education Foundation, kicked off with a vibrant show by the Ming Hwa Yuan Arts & Cultural Group. Taking place at 7 PM on April 6 in the parking lot behind the Tanzih District Office, the event starred renowned performer Sun Cui-Feng alongside a fresh cast of up-and-coming actors. Their performance The Chivalrous Cat, a Taiwanese martial arts opera, drew a lively audience of nearly 3,500 people, making for a great finale to the Tomb-Sweeping Festival weekend through the charm of Taiwanese opera.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that The Chivalrous Cat is an adaptation of Little Cat, a Taiwanese martial arts novel that earned the National Publishing Award. The production brings together the talents of the Ming Hwa Yuan Arts & Cultural Group, renowned writer-director Huang Chih-kai, and writer Shih Da-le. Transforming a modern literary work into traditional opera, The Chivalrous Cat tells the tale of Lin Shao-mao, a legendary figure in Taiwan’s resistance against Japanese rule. The performance highlights the inclusivity and artistic flexibility of Taiwanese opera. Traditional martial arts such as the Song Jiang Battle Array and the Hakka community’s Vagrancy Kenpō were also featured in the show. Through Lin Shao-mao’s heroic feats—robbing the rich to help the poor and upholding justice during a turbulent era—the production delivered a dynamic and memorable performance for the holiday crowd!

According to the Cultural Affairs Bureau, since its launch in 2020, the Taichung Traditional Arts Touring Performances have traveled across all corners of the city—from the mountains and coastlines to urban centers—bringing traditional arts into the heart of local communities. This initiative has given residents more chances to engage with traditional arts and has earned strong public support. This year’s highlight is the celebrated Ming Hwa Yuan Arts & Cultural Group, one of Taiwan’s most iconic performing arts groups with a strong international following. Known for their adaptability in the face of venue challenges, the troupe consistently delivers top-tier performances to the people.

April is packed with exciting cultural events, and from April 18 to 20, the 2025 Taichung Mazu International Festival will take the stage. Details about performances and other cultural activities can be found on the Taichung City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau’s website (https://www.culture.taichung.gov.tw/) or through the websites of local cultural centers and libraries.