Renowned Taiwanese opera actress Liao Chiung-chih (廖瓊枝) will give four lectures and perform in a series of events held in California as part of the Ministry's efforts to promote Taiwanese culture overseas.
The four lectures are scheduled for Feb. 13 through 16 at the University of California (Los Angeles branch), the Irvine Chinese School, the Los Angeles Central Library, and the Pacific Asia Museum of the University of South California.
Liao,Taiwan's top kudan (a sorrowful female character in Taiwanese opera) capable of singing the "most beautiful Oriental aria,” will speak on the origin of Taiwanese opera and demonstrate her acting skills.
She will also lead two apprentices, Chang Meng-yi (張孟逸) and Huang Ya-jung (黃雅蓉), in performing selected scenes from the classic Chinese romance tale "The Butterfly Lovers” (梁山伯與祝英台).
The documentary film "Taiwanese Opera Maestro Liao Chiung-chih” will also be screened at the event series to introduce her life story and contributions.
Liao, who is turning 80 this year, has devoted her life to performing and teaching Taiwanese opera. In addition to being certified as a "national living treasure” by the government, Liao was also the recipient of 2008 National Cultural Award.