Discovering the Magic of Traditional Theatre and Opera at the Taipei Eye

Over the past year, I’ve had the chance to see two performances at Taipei Eye, and both reminded me of the magic of live theatre and the cultural treasures it preserves. In 2024, I attended a special free public performance of Legend of the White Snake. It felt like stepping into a living folktale—lush costumes, live music, and a dreamlike story of love, magic, and transformation. The show carried me into a world of myth where the performers’ physicality and the rhythmic sound of the orchestra made the story clear, even across the language barrier, as I don't speak Mandarin well yet.

Earlier this year, I returned to see The Monkey King Fights the Skeleton King. This performance was a lively mix of acrobatics, martial arts, and humor. The Monkey King bounded across the stage with playful energy, and the Skeleton King’s minions made the whole audience laugh. For an English-speaking viewer, the experience was accessible thanks to subtitles and expressive physical storytelling, but what truly struck me was the artistry and discipline of the performers—this is living tradition, honed through years of training, and a skill/style that is slowly dying out due to lack of interested apprentice performers.

Traditional Taiwanese opera and performance art are more than just entertainment; they are an essential thread in the fabric of Taiwan’s cultural identity. In a rapidly modernizing city like Taipei, spaces like Taipei Eye play a crucial role. They allow both locals and visitors to experience these centuries-old stories in an intimate, contemporary setting. Seeing these shows reminded me that cultural preservation isn’t just about keeping the past alive—it’s about sharing it in ways that continue to inspire new audiences.

Attending performances like these is not only a treat for the senses, but also a way to support the continuation of Taiwan’s performing arts traditions. Each ticket, each round of applause, helps ensure that the next generation of artists can keep these stories alive and pass them forward. If you’re in Taipei and looking for an evening that is vibrant, meaningful, and uniquely Taiwanese, I highly recommend visiting Taipei Eye—you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the living heritage of Formosa.

Image from Taipei Eye's Website