TAIPEI (Taiwan News) —  Taiwanese opera troupe Ming Hwa Yuan Arts & Cultural Group (明華園歌仔戲團) performed in Romania's New Wave International Theater Festival Saturday (June 15).

Held in the city of Resita, the festival brings together artists from across the globe. It fosters cultural exchange and integration, per OCAC.

Ming Hwa Yuan presented two works, "Lovebird Spears" (鴛鴦槍) and "General of the Empire" (護國將軍), showcasing the essence of Taiwanese opera, while incorporating contemporary artistic elements. The performances gave Romanian audiences a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and beauty of this unique art form.

Lee Nan-Yang (李南陽), Taipei Representative Office in Bratislava (TROB) representative, lauded the performance as a dazzling display of Taiwanese culture in Romania. In his opening remarks, Lee emphasized the event's significance for cultural exchange between the two nations.

Resita Mayor Ioan Popa expressed his delight in hosting Ming Hwa Yuan. He voiced hopes to participate in Taiwan’s Smart City Summit and Expo (SCSE) next year, to explore potential tourism collaborations.

Founded in 1929 by Chen Ming-chi (陳明吉), Ming Hwa Yuan is a cornerstone of Taiwanese opera. The group persevered through challenging times, including a ban during the Japanese colonial period and restrictions on folk culture under Kuomintang rule in the 1960s, which forced them to move from indoor theaters to outdoor stages, per the MOC.

Despite the fluctuations in Taiwanese opera's popularity, Ming Hwa Yuan has thrived by incorporating modern elements into their traditional performances. This innovative approach has secured their place as a leading force in the art form.