Documentary by Li Li-shao Recalls Father, Reconstructs Taiwan's Music History Under White Terror

(Central News Agency, Taipei, June 9) The documentary 'Dancer of Solitude' is directed by Li Li-shao, who uses the life of his father, Li Zhe-yang, a Taiwanese music cultural worker, as a lens to piece together the forgotten history of Taiwanese music during the White Terror era. Li Li-shao stated today that he hopes to re-understand the impact of the era on individuals through filmmaking.

The documentary will premiere on the program 'Record Viewpoint' at 10 PM on June 11. A premiere event was held today, attended by Li Li-shao, his mother, dancer Lin Si-duan, and friends from the arts and culture community.

Li Zhe-yang studied in the Music Education Department at Taiwan Provincial Taipei Normal School (now National Taipei University of Education). After his father, Li Han-hu, was executed for 'knowing a bandit and not reporting it,' Li Zhe-yang was expelled and placed on a long-term surveillance list. Chen Ching-ho, President of National Taipei University of Education, specially attended the event today to posthumously award an honorary diploma.

President Chen stated, 'The school upholds the spirit of pursuing truth, human rights, and transitional justice. By awarding this honorary diploma, we hope to soothe the traumatic memories of the victims and their families.' Lin Si-duan, who accepted the diploma on behalf of her late husband, said, 'We hope the government and society will learn from historical lessons, treat the people with fairness and prudence, and prevent similar human rights violations from happening again.'

Li Li-shao said, 'Li Zhe-yang's story reflects the historical situation of Taiwan. Many important people, cultures, and memories are constantly ignored and forgotten, only to be rediscovered and reinterpreted by later generations. I hope this documentary will allow more people to see my father's long-term dedication to the study of indigenous and folk music.' (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150609