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Ban on Red Lantern by Taiwan Authorities Stirs up Wide Discontent
There is a change to the original schedule of inviting Beijing Opera Theatre to perform the Story of the Red Lantern, a typical and modern opera, in Taiwan on January 30, 2001.
According to a report by "Central News Agency", the Red Theatre, sponsoring unit in Taiwan had intended to introduce Qu operas of Lao She and some traditional Beijing Operas like the Red Lantern. However, the "Ministry of Education" of Taiwan informed the Red Theatre to cancel or alter the title, said Lin-kai, the person in charge of the Red Theatre, though he had applied for a recheck by the authorities.
The Red Theatre raised doubts on the decision made by the authorities, claiming that whether the censorship should go the artistic or political way and it is unreasonable to accept the decision without a proper and fair explanation by the Taiwan authorities in the angle of pure art and culture.
Many experts in the island stand by the side of the Red Theatre. "The Red Lantern, in fact, is a story happened in the War of Resistance against Japan and reflects the spirit of solidarity of the Chinese people", said one of them. "The opera has historical significance. It has a decisive impact on modern opera in Chinese mainland and also posed a potential effect to the development of operas in Taiwan", pointed out a professor in Chinese Language Dept. of Taiwan Tsing Hua University.
Another professor from Chinese Language Dept of Taiwan University thought the Red Lantern is a first-rank masterpiece with the best actors and actress, the best director and the best music, and has a unique place in opera.
Lin Kai pointed out that the one which had been submitted for approval was a revised scenario.
He would continue to exert efforts to win the opportunity to put on the stage and enable the audience to enjoy this opera of historic significance.
By PD Online Staff Yin Zhili
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