Veteran performer Tian Lulu has publicly retracted her recent criticisms of the Performing Arts Union, admitting she misdirected her frustration. According to reports, Tian is now pivoting toward a new project involving oral history, following consultations with Hsu Chang-te.
The Conflict Over Union Responsibility
The public dispute began when 68-year-old Tian Lulu voiced concerns about her financial struggles and questioned the management of the Performing Arts Union. She initially called on the organization’s founder, Jiang Hou-ren, to intervene. However, Tian later clarified that she had “got the wrong person,” and that she had intended to address Yang Guang-you.
Yang Guang-you responded to the situation by revealing that he had previously lent Tian 20,000 NTD during his tenure as union chair without requiring a formal promissory note. Speaking to SET News, Yang questioned why some veteran performers expect the union to solve their long-term financial problems, arguing that artists should have managed their earnings more effectively during their peak career years. Tian countered this, stating that the reality of a veteran performer’s income is often misunderstood and does not mirror the high earnings of modern television pundits.
Oral History Projects as a New Support Model
Amid the public friction, Hsu Chang-te has proposed a strategic shift for performers like Tian: documenting their careers through oral history. According to Hsu, the goal is to create an archive of stories from veteran artists, potentially leveraging the skills of volunteer directors, photographers, editors, and others to minimize production costs.
Hsu emphasized that this initiative could be a sustainable way to honor the contributions of older entertainers. “Many veteran artists have stories that are incredibly valuable,” Hsu noted. He suggested that by organizing a list of 100 contributors, the industry could build a lasting record without needing heavy capital investment. He maintains that Tian should focus on her own stability rather than relying on union intervention.
Did you know?
Oral history projects are used to preserve the cultural heritage of the entertainment industry, turning the personal anecdotes of veteran performers into records.
Criticism of Union Transparency
Beyond his project proposal, Hsu Chang-te has been vocal about the perceived lack of transparency within the current leadership of the Performing Arts Union. He claims that multiple veteran performers have privately approached him to express dissatisfaction with Cao Yuting.
Hsu argued that the union’s current activities—which he characterizes as centering on the chair’s own performance—fail to address the substantive needs of aging members. He stated that if the union’s primary function is limited to managing health and labor insurance, its value to the community is diminished. He challenged the current leadership to demonstrate tangible results rather than remaining out of the public eye during times of member distress.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Tian Lulu apologize?
Tian admitted she “got the wrong person” when she initially criticized the union leadership, clarifying that she intended to address Yang Guang-you. - What is the “oral history” project proposed by Hsu Chang-te?
It is a volunteer-led initiative designed to record the life stories and professional experiences of veteran performers to preserve industry history. - Has the Performing Arts Union responded to these specific claims?
While Cao Yuting has been involved in efforts to care for veteran artists, Hsu Chang-te has publicly criticized her for not being more transparent or proactive regarding member complaints.
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