2025 TCAF: Community-The Legend of the Summer Rain

★ Puppet Theatre × Yunlin Local Sayings and Historical References × Indigenous Children's Songs

★ Children's Play Adapted from the Lyrics of "Northwest Rain"

★ Using Taiwan's Unique "Gezaixi" (Taiwanese Opera) Melodies

In Yunlin, there is a well-known saying: 'Once you cross the Hóo-boé River, you won’t reach Xiluo.'

This traditional phrase is the foundation for our children’s theater production, carefully crafted by Lui Im theater and written by a talented playwright. Inspired by the nursery rhyme Northwest Rain, the play features the distinct melodies of Taiwanese Gezaixi opera. It incorporates local proverbs, bringing the beauty of Taiwan’s cultural heritage to young audiences. Get ready to sing, laugh, and dive into a world of Taiwanese culture in the most entertaining way possible!

This summer marks a joyous occasion as Chit-á-Hî prepares to marry the lovely Lân-Hoa, the daughter of Sai-Lê. As the first rays of sunlight stretch across the sky, matchmakers arrive at the groom’s home, making the final preparations. With gongs and drums echoing through the air, the wedding procession sets off toward Sai-Lê.

However,  as they journey forward, strong winds howl and heavy rain pours down, obscuring their path. The once-clear path disappears beneath sheets of water, and the wedding party is lost in the storm. When hope begins to fade, a faint light appears in the distance, guiding them safely through the storm.

At last, they reach the Hóo-boé River, only to face another challenge—how will they cross the rushing waters? An idea strikes Chit-á-Hî. “We'll cut a tree and build a bridge!” he declares. Will the procession succeed in crossing the river and reaching the bride? Join us at the Auditorium of Xinyi District Administrative Center to see how the story unfolds!

Lui Im Theater

Founded in 2020, this team was acknowledged as a distinguished performing arts group in New Taipei City in 2024. Their mission is to promote and preserve Taiwanese puppet theatre (Bùdàixì)；Their works are based on local Taiwanese stories, created in Taiwanese Hokkien, and feature the unique sound of Taiwanese Gezaixi music. The members constantly work harder on their puppetry and vocal skills, aiming to improve and develop Taiwanese puppet theater. They have been invited to perform and give lectures at various schools and during summer and winter vacation events, actively promoting the art form through community engagement.