Department of Cultural Affairs

The collaboration between Sú Iām-bûn and Tsông-kiànn-jîn sets the stage

Sú Iām-bûn (left) and Tsông-kiànn-jîn, who have graced Taiwanese culture for half a century, still exude a remarkable charm.

Combining tradition and innovation, preserving cultural heritage

This year has brought several pieces of uplifting news about Master Huang. First, 9 May saw the release of the documentary Living Human Treasure of Puppetry: Huang Chun-Hsiung, celebrating the master of puppetry. Also in May, Huang was also honored with the prestigious 42nd National Cultural Award. 

Now, the official opening of the Integrating Tradition and Innovation: Kimkong Glove Puppetry Maestro Huang Chun-Hsiung Exhibition marks the elevation of Huang’s influence from puppetry to culture at large, and even the entire Taiwanese pop culture industry. 

“Maybe you’ve never been to an opera house or theater, but you’ve certainly seen puppetry,” said Professor Lin Mao-Hsien, who has dedicated decades to the study of Taiwanese folk culture and traditional performing arts.

The exhibition focuses on the lineage of innovation in Kimkong Glove Puppetry Show by Maestro Huang Chun-Hsiung, showcasing his scripts, collected artifacts, highlights from his works, and precious video recordings of three generations who inherited his puppetry skills. 

Visitors will gain insights into his life journey and witness the growth and transformation of puppetry, a traditional Taiwanese art. The Dadaocheng exhibition also recreates iconic moments from the series, such as epic battles between signature characters Sú Iām-bûn, Tsông-kiànn-jîn, and Oo-pe̍h Lông-kun. Beloved characters from Kimkong Glove Puppetry, including Chiaò Lû-lâi, Biû-sì Móo-lô, Suat-suann Gîn-ian, also make appearances and interact with the audience.

The exhibition showcases a wealth of historically valuable artifacts.

[Exhibition Information]

Dates│26 July to 15 December 15, 2023

9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays, Lunar New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival)

Location│8th Floor Exhibition Area, Dadaocheng Theater (8th Floor, Yongle Market Building, 21 Dihua Street Section 1, Taipei City)

[Promotional Events]

Event 1 Premium Handcrafted Puppetry Workshop

Dates│4 November 2023 

Location│Teaching Theater, 8th Floor, Dadaocheng Theater

Event 2 Puppetry and Manipulation Workshop

Dates│18 November 2023 

Location│Teaching Theater, 8th Floor, Dadaocheng Theater