★ The legendary budaixi character Su Iam-bun returns!
★ Through a brand-new form of budaixi, it conveys the importance of ocean conservation
Young man Hua crosses the treacherous Penghu Channel to catch fish in the sea off Taiwan. On the eve of Mazu’s birthday, Hua unexpectedly catches a rare white dolphin. The fishermen worry that it will affect their catches and urge Hua to sell it. Fortunately, Su Iam-Bun and his friend run into Hua and persuade him to put it back to the sea. Years later, due to overfishing, a deep-sea fish spirit rebels against the humans; huge waves churn at the Channel, putting the fishing village in danger. Su Iam-Bun bravely fights in the battle but gets defeated; just before he sinks into the sea, a white shadow dashes out. The white dolphin whose life they spared is sent by Mazu (goddess of the sea) to repay their kindness!
In the coastal regions in Taiwan circulates the legend of “Mazu fish,” a white dolphin with a pale pink sheen; it is spiritual and regarded as the guardian of the sea. Based on the legend of “White Mazu Fish” and combining religious beliefs with ocean issues, The Tale of White Dolphin is a budaixi (Taiwanese glove puppetry) show specifically designed for children and family. Through a fantastic adventure involving courage, kindness, and ocean protection, it leads the audience to see goodwill and the power of protecting the nature.
Wuzhou Garden Potehi Troupe is best known for Su Iam-Bun, a character whose huge popularity once swept across Taiwan. They combine the traditional budaixi techniques with the innovative stage design and see the budaixi art and culture from children’s point of view. The treacherous sea with churning waves, the battle between the fish spirit and real people, and the appearance of gods and spirits are turned into a visual feast on the stage as layers of the scenes unfold. In an atmosphere of immersive theatre, the production shows children how the puppets are brought to life and makes them feel the energy when the traditional and the contemporary meet in budaixi. Furthermore, as the story progresses, the idea of ocean protection is quietly planted in the minds of all adults and children.
The Tale of White Dolphin not only is a budaixi production specifically designed for children but aims to help parents and children connect with each other and create their memories of childhood through a classic character.
Wuzhou Garden Potehi Troupe
Wuzhou Garden Potehi Troupe was founded by the renowned puppeteer Huang Hai-Tai, who passed on his skills to his eldest son Huang Chun-Ching, the eldest grandson Huang Wen-Lang and second son Huang Chun-Hsiung. “Wuzhou” means “famous in the five continents.” The troupe is known for the elegant dialogues based on literature and Su Iam-Bun, a character who once took the whole country by storm. Currently, the troupe is led by Huang Wen-Lang and is dedicated to promoting and passing down Taiwanese glove puppetry art.
Organizer｜Taipei City Government、Taipei Performing Arts Center
