October 22, 2022, outside the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei, Taiwanese Opera performer Chen Ya-Lan (陳亞蘭) astonished audience members on the red carpet for the 57th Golden Bell Awards (GBA). This annual award honours excellence in television and radio programs created in Taiwan. As a female performer, Chen broke records with her Best Leading Actor Award nomination. With the artificial moustache paired with Dunhill's well-fitted suit, Chen's modelling immediately raised everyone's eyebrows and became a highlight of the GBA. Her black suit was draped over an inner red shirt, and the buttons boldly opened to the navel, making Chen look like a suave yet dissolute handsome man. After entering the awards ceremony, Chen replaced her usual handsome appearance in front of the screen by donning a black puff-sleeved dress; such an outfit transformed her back into a woman waiting to welcome the shining moment of her life and in GBA history. Her ability to freely switches genders in acting and appearance demonstrated the androgynous charm that is unique in Taiwanese opera performance. Chen's nomination for the award attracts the younger generation's attention to how Taiwanese opera, as a traditional performing art, is also advancing with the times and able to arouse discussions on gender themes.
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