Spring 2015 Taiwan Film Series
Following in the footsteps of the Taiwanese Opera Diva: Liao Chiung-Chih
It is our pleasure to announce that Taiwan Academy of TECO in New York will launch its 2015 Taiwan Film Series with the title “Following in their footsteps: A recollection of three influential Taiwanese Artists”, which includes 1 feature film and 2 documentaries as follows:
1. Actress—Ching Chiang
Hsi Shih: Beauty of Beauties（Feature Film, 1965, 154 min.）
2:00 pm, Saturday, April 25th
2. Writer—Pai Hsien-Yung
The Sudden Recollection of “Taipei People” （Documentary, 2014, 40 min.）
6:30 pm, Thursday, May 28th
3. Taiwanese Opera Singer—Liao Chiung-Chih
Peony Blossoms: Taiwanese Opera Maestro Liao Chiung-Chih （Documentary, 2009, 45 min.）
6:30 pm, Thursday, June 25th, please RSVP here
On June 25th will be screened the documentary, The Peony Blossoms. It was a Gold Remi Winner in 42nd Annual WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, 2009. The film documents the lives of Liao Chiung-Chih, a legendary Taiwanese opera maestro. She began her operatic career at age 10. After more than 60 years of performing, she is a central figure of traditional Taiwanese opera.
The saying “drama is but a reflection of real life” is well-suited to describe the unparalleled life of actress Liao Chiung-chih. In the realm of Taiwanese opera, Liao quickly grew to master the role of “kudan,” a sorrowful female character whose laments reflect those of real women. The perfection Liao achieved under the spotlight is said to have originated from her own background, for her tears and melancholy were genuine, not acts.
Liao’s name has now become synonymous with Taiwanese opera. As the recipient of the 27th Executive Yuan National Cultural Award, Liao has devoted her entire life to preserving the legacy of her traditional craft; from establishing an opera foundation in 1999 to teaching the art form overseas, she remains a key witness to the history and development of Taiwanese opera.
The Executive Yuan National Cultural Award is a lifetime achievement award that honors those who have made special contributions to the maintenance or enhancement of culture, and is the highest honor for an individual in cultural circles of Taiwan. Since the award was established by the Executive Yuan of Taiwan in 1980, more than 70 artists have been honored in fields such as education, literature, cinematic, art and dance, etc.
Venue:
Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in New York
(1 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017)
B1 Screening Room
Complimentary admission with RSVP
TEL: 212-697-6188 ext. 4