Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

Ming Hwa Yuan Taiwanese Opera Company staged its popular play Lang Xin Lang Xin at the Xingbeitou Qixing Park on July 10. The event is one of the highlights of the 2010 Culture in the Alley – an outreach program organized by the Department of Civil Affairs (DOCA) seeking to bring culture events and performances to the local community. There was a long queue at the park before the beginning of the show, with locals lining up to watch the show. Mayor Hau Lung-bin also attended the outdoor performance to show his support. Hau described Ming Hwa Yuan as a theater company that is famous and reputable. Citing the group’s recent success in Shanghai, Hau noted that all 25,000 tickets of the overseas session were sold out immediately. Seeing how the eager crowds packed into the Hongkou Football Stadium to watch the show, Hau said he is proud to be a Taiwanese. The mayor remarked that Taipei residents are very lucky to have the chance of watching excellent performances by groups such as Ming Hwa Yuan at parks in their community. Hau encourages residents to support Culture in the Alley, advising them not miss the chance to enjoy these free cultural events and performances. For the 2010 Culture in the Alley, a total of 120 arts events and performances will take place at public places spanning from neighborhoods, parks to temple squares in Taipei City.