Set in 1920s Taiwan under Japanese colonial rule, Phantoms of the Timeworn Mansion begins in a century-old haunted residence inhabited by a host of wandering spirits, both known and forgotten, men and women alike. Through a tale woven from the supernatural, the production reveals a chapter of Taiwan’s real history.

The production invites audiences to encounter the Taiwan Cultural Association, whose historical significance lies not only in its role in awakening Taiwanese society at the time, but also in its far-reaching influence on the formation of Taiwanese national identity and political consciousness. Through its advocacy of culture, education, and political ideas, the Association helped shape an emerging sense of what it meant to be Taiwanese.

Yet this idealistic organization remains little known to the public today. Its members were largely social elites and intellectuals of their time, who devoted themselves to overcoming the many obstacles imposed by those in power. It is this spirit of conviction, idealism, and fearlessness that the production seeks to bring to the stage. Through Phantoms of the Timeworn Mansion, the cold, rigid facts of history books are given new life through vivid, breathing characters onstage.

The production also weaves in Taiwanese ghost tales from different historical periods, each reflecting the struggles and aspirations of those who once lived on this island. Lingering within the old mansion, spirits from the Qing dynasty, the Japanese colonial era, and other chapters of Taiwan’s past, still bound by the values and beliefs of their own time, encounter members of the Taiwan Cultural Association in a series of compelling confrontations and dialogues. Through these exchanges between those who seek freedom, enlightenment, and dignity and those who remain tethered to the past, history is reexamined from unexpected perspectives.

Artistic Director / TANG Mei-yun
Born into a family of Taiwanese opera performers, TANG Mei-yun is the daughter of the famous opera artist CHIANG Wu-tung. She has been performing since the age of 15, across various platforms including outdoor stages, television, theater, and film. TANG has portrayed a wide range of roles, with particular expertise in young male leads, aged male roles, and jesters. Her comprehensive and robust background in Taiwanese opera is evident in her singing, acting, recitation, and combat skills. She has been awarded the Best Young Male Lead Award at the Local Drama Competition for two consecutive years and was named one of the Top Ten Outstanding Young Women in the 17th National Awards. In 2018, she received the National Cultural Award from the Executive Yuan, and in 2012, she was honored with the 16th National Award for Arts.

Special Cameo / TANG Wen-hwa
Born in 1961, originally named TANG Ching-hwa, he graduated from Fu Hsing School of Dramatics (now the National Taiwan College of Performing Arts). TANG has performed with the Hai Guang, Lu Guang, and Fu Hsing Peking Opera troupes and is currently the lead laosheng (elder male role) actor at the GuoGuang Opera Company. He was mentored by HU Shao-an, the foremost of Taiwan’s four great laosheng masters. TANG has received the Armed Forces Golden Statue Awards for Literature and Art for Best Male Lead, the Literary Award, the SGI Cultural Award, and the Global Chinese Culture & Arts Award. His notable works include traditional operas such as Bead-Curtain Fortress, The Snow Jade Cup, Four Scholars, and The Orphan of Chao Family. He has also starred in modern adaptations like Journey Through Hell, Hu Shiue-Yan and Sunlight after Snowfall.

Lead / HSU Hsiu-nien
Renowned as one of the most celebrated Dan (female role) actresses in Taiwanese Opera, HSU began her stage career at the tender age of five. She captivated audiences during the golden age of Taiwanese opera TV shows, earning the nickname “the eternal wife” for her performances. In recent years, HSU has primarily focused on theater productions, where her mesmerizing stage presence continues to shine. Her bright voice, graceful movements, and professional acting consistently win the hearts of her audience, solidifying her status as the queen of contemporary Taiwanese opera.

Lead / Hsiao-mi
Hsiao-mi was born into a family of Taiwanese opera performers and joined the E-sha Musical Theater Troupe at the age of 14. During the 1960s and 1970s, she rose to fame, becoming a star performer renowned throughout Southeast Asia. Later, she transitioned to Taiwanese opera theater, marking the second phase of her performing career. With her solid foundation in performing, she excels in portraying a wide range of roles, including male, female, and jesters, making her a versatile actress. In 2016, she won the Best Actor Award at the 27th Golden Melody Award for Traditional Arts and Music. In 2020, the Ministry of Culture recognized her as a Cultural Advocate and Heritage Preservationist for Taiwanese opera, and in 2023, she received the 23rd National Award for Arts.

Tang Mei Yun Taiwanese Opera Company
With a mission to pass on the torch of Taiwanese opera while forging a new path, the Tang Mei Yun Taiwanese Opera Company is dedicated to elevating traditional opera to the realm of fine art. The troupe not only features outstanding senior performers but also nurtures emerging talent. The company remains committed to producing refined, high-quality performances that explore the possibilities of interdisciplinary collaboration—while faithfully preserving the traditional essence of Taiwanese opera.

Artistic Director & Producer / TANG Mei-yun
Director / DAI Jun-fang*
Playwright / CHEN Jian-xing
Costume Designer / HUANG Wen-ying
Stage Designer / YANG Shih-cheng
Video Designer / WANG Yei-sheng
Lighting Designer / QIU Yi-xin
Music Designer / JI Jun-da
Vocal Composer / CHEN Xin-han
Photographer / CAI Rong-feng
Actor / TANG Mei-yun, TANG Wen-hua (Special Cameo)*, HSU Hsiu-nien, Hsiao-mi and Tang Mei Yun Taiwanese Opera Company

*Support by GuoGuang Opera Company