Preface
Some encounters begin as simple parts of a school program, yet end up changing the way we see art, education, and even the place we call hometown.
Because our school's performing arts program lacked specialized drama teachers, we joined a Cultural Experience Program. Through that opportunity, we met Ms. Kuo, Yueh-mei, affectionately known as "Kuozi," and were introduced to Pingpengcao Theatre. What began as a classroom experience soon became something much more meaningful.
Pingpengcao Theatre is a homegrown theatre troupe from Changhua. For many years, there were very few groups in the area devoted to children's theatre and modern drama. In this setting, Pingpengcao Theatre became more than just a local troupe — it also took on an important role in bringing drama and arts education into the community. Ms. Kuo was originally a radio journalist, but her love for theatre led her in a different direction. She devoted her own house to the troupe's development and, step by step, built a theatre space in a rural coastal town. She has also continued to visit schools, giving students the chance to experience drama up close.
Older students told us that Ms. Kuo had helped our school prepare for drama competitions in the past. She often guided students without charging any fee, and sometimes even paid for their food herself. These may seem like small acts, but to us, they revealed something profound — her long-term dedication to local arts education was never just an idea, but something she lived out through real care and action.
Under her guidance, we saw more than performances on a stage. We began to understand how a theatre troupe works behind the scenes, how it supports children's learning, and how it continues to grow alongside the community it serves. Through this project, we hope to share the story of Pingpengcao Theatre and show how drama can take root in a place, leaving a lasting impact on students, schools, and the wider community.
