To celebrate National Chung Cheng University’s (CCU) 37th anniversary, the CCU Library organized a large-scale outdoor Taiwanese opera performance on the eve of the milestone event. On Friday, November 6, 2026, the renowned Ming Hwa Yuan - The Ri Theatrical Troupe visited the campus to present "Bodhi in the Mortal World" on the lawn along Phoenix Boulevard. The event also welcomed the statue of Emperor Shennong from Gu Feng Temple in Minxiong, inviting faculty, students, and members of the public to enjoy the performance together. By bringing traditional opera, campus culture, and local religious traditions together, the event highlighted the cultural connections that shaped the university’s anniversary celebrations.

"Bodhi in the Mortal World" was written and directed by Chen Sheng-kuo, recipient of Taiwan’s National Award for Arts. Set against a conflict between the Song dynasty and a wolf clan over contested border territory, the story follows two princes whose fates become intertwined and identities switched amid the turmoil of war. Twenty years later, hostilities resume, and long-hidden truths about their identities emerge alongside a struggle for the throne. Family ties, political power, and hatred collide as the characters confront unresolved grievances and deep-seated attachments. Amid these conflicts, Jigong, the legendary Buddhist monk, appears in the mortal world to guide the characters through a journey of love, family bonds, and difficult choices about human nature. Comic-role performances add humor and dramatic tension, showcasing Taiwanese opera as an art form that combines entertainment with profound human insight.

The performance was led by Chen Sheng-tsai, renowned as one of Taiwan’s foremost performers of comic roles in Taiwanese opera, and Zheng Ya-sheng, the troupe’s leading actress, alongside a talented new generation of performers. With extensive experience in Taiwanese opera performance and directing, Chen captivated audiences through his lively, humorous comic acting, seamlessly weaving comedy into the narrative—a distinctive feature of Ming Hwa Yuan - The Ri Theatrical Troupe’s performance style. Zheng, meanwhile, brought characters to life through refined movements and nuanced emotional expression, highlighting the stage presence and artistry of female roles in Taiwanese opera. The collaboration between veteran artists and younger performers demonstrated how traditional opera continues to evolve and flourish through the passing of artistic knowledge from one generation to the next.

To give more members of the university community an opportunity to experience Taiwanese opera before the main performance, the CCU Library hosted the lecture and demonstration "Master Chen Sheng-tsai’s Taiwanese Opera Educational Promotion Lecture and Campus Tour" on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Led by Chen and his troupe, the event featured an introduction to the art of Taiwanese opera, a discussion of comic-role performance, and live demonstrations. The program also included the classic short opera "Tiger Wang Captures a Wife," whose witty dialogue, lighthearted plot, and lively movements offered an entertaining introduction to the approachable, grassroots spirit of Taiwanese opera.

The CCU Library noted that Taiwanese opera is more than a traditional stage art; it is also an important part of Taiwan’s popular culture and collective memories of everyday life. By inviting Ming Hwa Yuan - The Ri Theatrical Troupe to perform ahead of the university’s anniversary, the CCU Library aimed to bring high-quality traditional opera to the campus community and make this art form more accessible through an outdoor performance. The relaxed atmosphere allowed audiences of different generations to appreciate the beauty of Taiwanese opera. The special invitation to the statue of Emperor Shennong from Gu Feng Temple in Minxiong added another meaningful dimension to the event, as the deity joined the audience in watching the performance. This gathering celebrated the shared enjoyment of both humans and deities while highlighting the intersection of local religious traditions in Minxiong, Chiayi, and Taiwan’s traditional performing arts.

On the evening of November 6, Phoenix Boulevard was transformed into a large outdoor stage, welcoming faculty, students, alumni, and residents of Chiayi and Yunlin to enjoy traditional opera amid the familiar scenery of the university campus. As CCU celebrated its 37th anniversary, the rhythms of drums and gongs, the melodies of operatic singing, and the performers’ vivid stage presence became part of the university community’s shared memories, ushering in the anniversary celebrations with a festive atmosphere and a rich sense of cultural heritage.

Event Information
Event: "Bodhi in the Mortal World" for National Chung Cheng University’s 37th Anniversary (Outdoor Taiwanese Opera Performance)
Performing Troupe: Ming Hwa Yuan - The Ri Theatrical Troupe
Date and Time: Friday, November 6, 2026
• 6:30 p.m. — Bàn Xiān: A Ritual Theater for the Gods
• 7:00 p.m. — Main performance began
Venue: Phoenix Boulevard, National Chung Cheng University
Production: "Bodhi in the Mortal World"

Pre-Event Program: "Master Chen Sheng-tsai’s Taiwanese Opera Educational Promotion Lecture and Campus Tour"
Date and Time: Thursday, November 5, 2026, 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Venue: 101 Lecture Hall, CCU Library (1F), National Chung Cheng University
Program: Introduction to Taiwanese opera, an overview of comic-role performance, and a live demonstration of the short opera "Tiger Wang Captures a Wife"