Before the birth anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen on November 12, the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall of the Ministry of Culture invited the Paper Windmill Theatre to stage “Wu Song Fights the Tiger” on the west side of the Reflecting Pool in Chungshan Cultural Park. This play inspires children’s innovative thinking and conveys the concept of animal conservation. The Paper Windmill Theatre specially incorporates elements related to Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s birthday into the performance, making it significantly meaningful compared to other venues.
Wang Lan-sheng, Director-general of the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, stated that the hall has launched the “Auditorium and Surrounding Facilities Upgrade Project” this year. By adhering to the principal of uninterrupted service, the hall hopes to continue presenting high-quality theater to children and adults alike and therefore invites the Paper Windmill Theatre for an outdoor performance. The “368 Townships Children’s Art Project” of the Paper Windmill Theatre has traveled to townships all over Taiwan in the past eighteen years, which aligns with the hall’s concept and dedication to “equal rights to art.”
Ren Jian-cheng, Director of the Paper Windmill Theatre, stated that “Madam White Snake” was first performed at the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in 2001. It was also the first time for the troupe to accumulate more than ten thousand attendees, which was a great encouragement. For a performing group, the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall has been a very important performing venue to hold a variety of performances. After renovation, the “Reflecting Pool” in Chungshan Cultural Park is a recommended recreational spot for Taipei citizens on weekends and holidays.
“Wu Song Fights the Tiger” is a musical adapted from a traditional story, incorporating the dance elements such as martial arts, body movements, acrobatics, and fan dancing in Chinese opera. The rhythm of “Shu Lai Bao” has been turned into the popular song and dance. The “Running Horse Scene” of the outdoor and hand puppet theatre is also put on stage. The integration of traditional and modern music creates the modern fairy tale with traditional spirit. The play focuses on children, emphasizing the concept of “animal conservation” and the importance of “trust” and “care.” The tiger in the play is portrayed as a lovely one. Despite the title of “fighting the tiger,” the story ends up rescuing the tiger. Jingyang Ridge, originally filled with complaints and unsatisfaction, eventually transforms into a place of happiness and joy because Wu Song rescues the tiger. The interesting process subverts the traditional impression, allowing children to expand imagination and educational meaning through the story.