Whenever there is a religious celebration such as a deity's birthday parade, the thundering sound of Beiguan music easily captivates the ears of standers-by. This traditional musical art is often associated with temples and can be presented in a myriad of ways. It can be seen as Beiguan ensembles who perform amateur operas on stage; in the form of instrumental performances in gatherings or during processions; as Beiguan music accompaniment; or embodied in Luantan Operas performed on stage by professional musicians. There is a saying that goes, "Pork belly is the supreme delicacy, Luantan Opera is the most entertaining", which shows the music's popularity back in its heyday. The traditional puppet troupes in northern Taiwan also often use Beiguan music as accompaniment, which demonstrates the diversity of Beiguan music.

 

Today, Beiguan's biggest challenge is cultural preservation. The Ministry of Culture has included Beiguan music, Beiguan operas, and Luantan Operas in the Major Traditional Performing Arts and Major Traditional Crafts Education Program, a clear indication of its decline. At this time of urgency, various theater troupes and amateur troupes are chiefly concerned with education and performance.

 

Li Chuen Yuan in Changhua was once one of the four major opera societies in Changhua County and it is currently still offering performances. In 2009, the Ministry of Culture registered it as a "Major Traditional Arts Preservation Organization for Beiguan Music". Cheng-Ching Lee's Li Chuen Yuan Oral History Survey Project, which was funded by NCAF in 2017, provides research information on the operation and development of Li Chuen Yuan today.

 

With regard to musician training, the Yen Yue Hsuan Beiguan Troupe executed the Beiguan Opera Legacy Project in 2012 and 2014. The troupe was directed by musician Huo-Jung Chiu—a Living National Treasure—and Yu-Ying Liu—a seasoned performer of Luantan Opera—on the accompaniment music and frontstage acting. Later, under the leadership of Huo-Jung Chiu, the troupe performed a Beiguan Fulu opera and released the CDs On the Threshold of the Tang and Cheng En's Excursion. Other cultural transmission projects, such as Luantan Opera master Shiou-Jing Peng, have helped to preserve and promote Beiguan music.

 

Han Yang Beiguan Troupe is one of the few Luantan Opera professional troupes left in Taiwan today. They focus on the preservation and performance of Beiguan operas. They have performed The Fourth Son Visits His Mother and New Iron Griddle Story in Yilan, both preserving and re-creating these classics of Luantan Opera. Under the guidance of Huo-Jung Chiu, the first productions of Zi Yuan Theater Workshop after its founding were the Beiguan Xinlu operas Weishui River and Fighting Taoyuan. Taipei Puppet Theater performed Two Dragons Guarding the Scoop, an adaptation of the Beiguan classic Battle of Changban, which expanded the use of Beiguan music and opera into other genres.

 

Traditionally, the performers in a Beiguan ensemble were called "foolish disciples" because they contributed both money and labor to the opera association without concern for personal gain. Nowadays, as Beiguan has declined in popularity, there is still a group of "diligent amateurs" who are working to preserve the bedrock and lifeline of the tradition. Their "foolish" yet bold determination and energy are a glimmer of light as the sun goes down.

 

 

 

 

*Translator: Linguitronics