National Chi Nan University's Cool, Classic Take on 'My Fair Lady

Students from the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature (DFLL) at National Chi Nan University (NCNU) recently brought an audiovisual feast to the Puli Arts Center with their reinterpretation of the classic musical "My Fair Lady." This production was a tribute to the classic film and an artistic exploration of modern societal issues such as language, social class, and feminism. Through drama, music, and interdisciplinary learning in English, the DFLL students significantly enhanced their competitiveness in the job market.

"My Fair Lady" tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, an uneducated and vulgar waitress who, with the help of Professor Henry Higgins and Colonel Pickering, undergoes language training and transforms into a well-spoken, elegant lady. The NCNU students, after a year of preparation, brought the audience on a journey into the characters' inner worlds, allowing them to appreciate not only the beautiful singing and dancing but also the importance of language in everyday life and its societal implications.

The production team emphasized incorporating various social issues from the original work into the play, particularly the connection between accent social class and feminism, which are ongoing concerns today. They hoped the audience would appreciate the joy of the comedy while also recognizing the importance of social stratification and gender equality. NCNU President Wuu Dong Sing stated that these rich activities allow students to experience drama culture intimately, overcome their fear of freely expressing themselves in English, and reacquaint themselves with the vast world of language from a dramatic perspective.

Through this production, the DFLL students of NCNU not only demonstrated their respect and creativity for the classic work and their deep understanding and concern for contemporary social issues. This rendition of "My Fair Lady" was more than just a performance; it was a profound reflection on language, culture, and social equality. The department head, Tzu-Shiow Chuang, noted that DFLL students could obtain dual degrees from NCNU and Middlesex University in the UK through a 3+1 program (three years of study in Taiwan and the final year in the UK). Additionally, students can become exchange students abroad through the "Flying High with Learning" scholarship program, further experiencing foreign cultures and broadening their international perspectives.