The term “cultural plays” referred initially to educational and inspiring theatrical works promoted and presented by the Taiwan Cultural Association, but later expanded to include new theatrical works presented by contemporary intellectuals. With the disbandment of the Taiwan Cultural Association and under the influence of Japanese culture, the term “cultural plays” was gradually replaced by “Sin-ki̍k” after 1930s (later renamed as “hua-chu” after the Second World War). Today, people use “cultural plays” to refer to the period when modern theater was at its developmental stages. The Taiwan Culture Association split in January 1927 and provoked competition among different political positions, but the conflict led to the flourishing of cultural plays. To date, 26 theater groups/associations have records of staging cultural plays in the 1920s and the performances are scattered across the major cities of western Taiwan and in Yilan, spanning urban environments to local areas. The performances were mostly affiliated with Taiwan Cultural Association gatherings and designed as entertainment between events, while some were also staged for disaster relief or public welfare; a few were even performances staged on the site of particular incidents. Since “Sin-ki̍k” was in its early stages, the plays that were used in “cultural plays” were mostly selected from works written in China or Japan. During this time, the number of Taiwanese local works slowly increased as “cultural plays” flourished. (Shih Wan-shun)
Flyer for The Stage to Investiture Gods and Lone Boat in a Sea of Tears organized by Tâi-lâm (Tainan) Labor Youth Performing Group conveying consolation to those affected by the “Asano Cement Takao (Kaohsiung) Branch Strike,” 1928. Courtesy of Chuang Ming-cheng
Flyer for The Foolish Old Man and Bells in the Moonlight organized by Takao Strike Support Group conveying consolation to those affected by the “Asano Cement Takao Branch Strike,” 1928. Courtesy of Chuang Ming-cheng
Stage photo of The Waves of Love performed by Sing-kong (Seikō, Hsing-kuang) Society for Theater Research, published in Taiwan Nichi Nichi Shimpō, May 9, 1928
Stage photo of a performance by the Tâi-lâm (Tainan) Cultural Theater Troupe, c. 1927-1928. Courtesy of National Museum of Taiwan Literature
