Alum Brings ‘Sign Language Opera’ from Taiwan to TAMIU Sunday

A Texas A&M International University alumna from Taiwan, Republic of China has returned to her alma mater, and she’s bringing a rare opportunity to enjoy traditional sign language opera this Sunday, Feb. 8 at 4 p.m. in TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts’ Recital Hall.

Admission is free of charge and open to the public. A group discussion will follow the performance.

Dr. Eunice Yu-Mei Tsai, who earned a Master of Science in Education at TAMIU in 1988, is now director of the General Education Center for Tzu Chi College of Technology in Taiwan.

Through a performance project funded by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, Tsai will bring a 17-member performance troupe and staff for a one-time-only presentation at TAMIU of “Love Transcends the Skyline,” a sign language opera.

“This is an introduction to the Chinese cultural practices of filial piety and respecting teachers, as well as the Buddhist practice of ‘benefiting others’ with sincere pure love,” Tsai explained, “sign language was introduced to our Tzu Chi volunteers not only as a language of communication with mute and deaf persons, but also as a language of the heart to communicate our thoughts and feelings.”

Tsai said the Opera calls for a joint effort spanning languages, ethnicities, culture and religions to make a positive difference in the world with actions of filial piety and good deeds.

For more information, contact the TAMIU Department of Fine and Performing Arts at 326.ARTS (2787).

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu